Trichostema simulatum
Siskiyou bluecurls
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trichostema simulatum (Siskiyou bluecurls) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by distinct petioles with short included corolla tube.
Siskiyou bluecurls is a California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges, northern California Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada, and Modoc Plateau in open, generally sandy or gravelly sites at elevations of 500 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces delicate blue to purple flowers with curved stamens that emerge from small, intricate calyxes. Growing up to 40 centimeters tall with stems covered in short, appressed or long, spreading hairs, some of which are glandular. Its leaves have distinct petioles 7 to 15 millimeters long, with narrow lanceolate to ovate blades 2 to 5 centimeters in length. The plant's unique curved corolla tube and distinctive hairy stems make it a distinctive component of its dry, open habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; key features are distinct petioles with short included corolla tube
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, generally sandy or gravelly sites
Elevation: 500-1600 m
California counties: Lassen, Trinity, Modoc, Plumas, Butte, Tehama, Shasta, Siskiyou, Alpine, Lake, Sierra, El Dorado
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Trichostema simulatum blooms Jul-Sep.
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 simulatum native to California?
Yes. Trichostema simulatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trichostema simulatum bloom?
Trichostema simulatum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Trichostema simulatum grow?
Trichostema simulatum occurs in Lassen, Trinity, Modoc, Plumas, Butte, Tehama, Shasta, Siskiyou and other counties, at elevations of 500-1600 m.
What plant family does Trichostema simulatum belong to?
Trichostema simulatum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
What habitat does Trichostema simulatum grow in?
Trichostema simulatum grows in Open, generally sandy or gravelly sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Trichostema sp. — Blue curls
- Trichostema austromontanum — San jacinto bluecurls
- Trichostema austromontanum subsp. austromontanum
- Trichostema austromontanum subsp. compactum — Hidden lake bluecurls
- Trichostema lanatum — Woolly blue curls
- Trichostema lanceolatum — Vinegar weed
- Acanthomintha duttonii — San mateo thornmint
- Acanthomintha ilicifolia — San diego thornmint
- Acanthomintha lanceolata — Santa clara thornmint
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.