Trichostema micranthum
Small-flowered bluecurls
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Trichostema micranthum (Small-flowered bluecurls) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by very small corolla tube and short stamens.
Small-flowered bluecurls is a California native annual found in western Transverse Ranges and San Bernardino Mountains in dry margins of lakes, meadows, and streams at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces small blue to purple flowers with a distinctive curved shape and delicate structure. Growing with slender stems less than 30 centimeters tall, it features short, curled hairs that give the plant a soft, textured appearance. Its narrow elliptic leaves measure 2 to 4.5 centimeters long with barely distinguishable petioles, creating a delicate, compact form. The plant's stamens are slightly arched, ranging from 2 to 3 millimeters long and partially included within the flower's small corolla tube.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; key features are very small corolla tube and short stamens
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry margins of lakes, meadows, streams
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Ventura
Outside California: Arizona, Baja California
Bloom period
Trichostema micranthum blooms Jul-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 micranthum native to California?
Yes. Trichostema micranthum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichostema micranthum bloom?
Trichostema micranthum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Trichostema micranthum grow?
Trichostema micranthum occurs in San Bernardino, Ventura, at elevations of 1500-2500 m.
What plant family does Trichostema micranthum belong to?
Trichostema micranthum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
Is Trichostema micranthum rare or endangered?
Trichostema micranthum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
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.