Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum
Hidden lake bluecurls, Hidden Lake Bluecurls
Photo: parent species Trichostema austromontanum · (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum (Hidden lake bluecurls) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by compact size and leaf length relative to internodes.
Hidden lake bluecurls is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the San Jacinto Mountains at Hidden Lake in montane vernal pools at an elevation of 2,650 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces delicate blue to purple flowers in compact clusters. Growing with diminutive stems less than 10 centimeters tall, it forms a small, dense plant with fine branching. Its leaves are proportionally large compared to the stem, measuring up to 3 centimeters long and spreading wider than the internodes. Its compact growth and miniature stature make it a distinctive inhabitant of high-elevation vernal pool environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key features are compact size and leaf length relative to internodes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane vernal pools
Elevation: 2650 m
California counties: Riverside
Bloom period
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
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. compactum native to California?
Yes. Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum bloom?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum grow?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum occurs in Riverside, at elevations of 2650 m.
What plant family does Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum belong to?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
Is Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum rare or endangered?
Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.