Trichostema sp.
Blue curls, Blue Curls
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Trichostema sp. (Blue curls) is a native California annual in the Lamiaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Trichostema sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Trichostema sp. belong to?
Trichostema sp. is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Trichostema.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Trichostema laxum — Turpentine weed
- Acanthomintha duttonii — San mateo thornmint
- Acanthomintha ilicifolia — San diego thornmint
- Acanthomintha lanceolata — Santa clara thornmint
- Acanthomintha obovata — Obvate-leafed thorn mint
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.