Trichostema laxum
Turpentine weed
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trichostema laxum (Turpentine weed) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by distinct petioles and red-tinged calyx.
Turpentine weed is a California native annual found in northwestern California and the Modoc Plateau in gravelly streambanks and sandy soils at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces small flowers with a distinctive red-tinged calyx and a delicate corolla tube that curves upward near the throat. Growing with slender stems up to 50 centimeters tall, the plant has short appressed hairs and some spreading glandular hairs. Its leaves are distinctively shaped with a clear petiole 5 to 15 millimeters long and blades 3 to 7 centimeters long, ranging from lanceolate to narrowly ovate. The plant's unique stamens extend 7 to 16 millimeters, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key features are distinct petioles and red-tinged calyx
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly streambanks or sandy soil
Elevation: < 1700 m
California counties: Trinity, Mendocino, Napa, Humboldt, Lake, Glenn, Sonoma, Tehama, Colusa, San Benito, Modoc, Solano, Mariposa, Fresno
Bloom period
Trichostema laxum blooms Jun-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 laxum native to California?
Yes. Trichostema laxum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichostema laxum bloom?
Trichostema laxum blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Trichostema laxum grow?
Trichostema laxum occurs in Trinity, Mendocino, Napa, Humboldt, Lake, Glenn, Sonoma, Tehama and other counties, at elevations of < 1700 m.
What plant family does Trichostema laxum belong to?
Trichostema laxum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
What habitat does Trichostema laxum grow in?
Trichostema laxum grows in Gravelly streambanks or sandy soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.