Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum
Photo: parent species Trichostema austromontanum · (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by annual habit, stem height, leaf shape ratio.
Southern blue curls is a California native annual herb found in central Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, and southern eastern Sierra Nevada on drying lake margins, meadows, and streambanks at elevations of 500 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces small blue to lavender flowers clustered along slender stems. Growing up to 50 centimeters tall with delicate, branching stems that are often reddish-tinged and slightly hairy. Its leaves are relatively small, less than 5 centimeters long, and positioned close together along the stem. The plant forms compact clusters in open, moist habitats, creating delicate patches of blue-purple color in late summer and early autumn.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; key features are annual habit, stem height, leaf shape ratio
Habitat and range
Habitat: Drying lake margins, meadows, streambanks
Elevation: 500-2600 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum blooms Jul-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Trichostema flowers have five equal lobes; sage flowers are distinctly two-lipped.; vs Lavandula: Trichostema stamens arch dramatically outward; lavender stamens stay hidden inside the flower tube.; vs Penstemon: Trichostema has square stems and opposite leaves; penstemon stems are round.; vs Lupinus: Trichostema flowers have five equal lobes; lupine flowers are pea-shaped with banner and keel.; vs Sairocarpus: Trichostema has four stamens visible arching out; snapdragons hide stamens inside closed throat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum native to California?
Yes. Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum bloom?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum belong to?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
What habitat does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum grow in?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum grows in Drying lake margins, meadows, streambanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.