Teucrium glandulosum
Desert germander, Desert Germander
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Teucrium glandulosum (Desert germander) is a native California subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by features include persistent deeply 3-lobed leaves and rocky habitat in Whipple Mountains.
Desert germander is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the northeastern Sonoran Desert, specifically the Whipple Mountains, on rocky slopes and in canyons at elevations of 400 to 500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces small, intricate flowers with pale white to lavender corollas about 15 to 21 millimeters long. Growing with compact stems up to 30 to 40 centimeters tall, it develops a robust and somewhat woody base. Its distinctive leaves are deeply three-lobed, measuring 1 to 4 centimeters long, with a persistent texture and potentially grayish-green coloration. The flower's calyx features lobes 4 to 8 millimeters long, typically with sharp, acute tips.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with no sympatric species; diagnostic features include persistent deeply 3-lobed leaves and rocky habitat in Whipple Mountains
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons
Elevation: 400-500 m
Outside California: Arizona, Baja California
Bloom period
Teucrium glandulosum blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Salvia has a distinct upper lip arching over the flower; Teucrium's flowers look bottom-lip-only.; vs Stachys: Stachys has both upper and lower lips clearly visible; Teucrium appears to have removed the top lip entirely.; vs Lavandula: Lavender has tiny, symmetrical flowers in dense spikes; Teucrium has larger one-lipped flowers in looser clusters.; vs Trichostema: Trichostema has dramatically long stamens arching out of the flower; Teucrium's stamens are shorter and less showy.; vs Condea: Condea has normal two-lipped flowers; Teucrium's distinctive one-lipped flowers are unmistakable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teucrium glandulosum native to California?
Yes. Teucrium glandulosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Teucrium glandulosum bloom?
Teucrium glandulosum blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Teucrium glandulosum belong to?
Teucrium glandulosum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Teucrium.
Is Teucrium glandulosum rare or endangered?
Teucrium glandulosum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Teucrium glandulosum grow in?
Teucrium glandulosum grows in Rocky slopes, canyons.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.