Herb Common Name
Herb Scientific Name
Common Family Name (scientific family name)
Native or Non-native
Key Identifying Characteristics
Like other members of the Mint Family, Pitcher Sage smells like mint. It has gray-green aromatic leaves and ribbed stems that are often sticky. The bark, stem, and leaves are covered in long hairs. tubular flowers grow at the top of the stems.
Height / Size
Grows to a height of 7 feet.
Leaves
Opposite, narrow leaves are hairy, crinkly, and slightly toothed with indented veins, and grow on stems with 4 ribs.
Flower
Tubular flowers are white, pink, and even in varied shades of blue. The flower’s bottom lip is larger than the other four that curl back. The flower is fragrant. Brown papery sepals, that start as green, protect the base of the flower.
Bloom Time: March to June
Fruit / Seed
The tiny fruit is rounded, dark in color, and slightly hairy.
Habitat
Habitats include rocky slopes, chaparral, and woodlands.
Location / Range
All Trails. Grows in the Coastal Range and Sierra Foothills of California.
Lifespan
Pitcher Sage is a perennial, long-lived plant.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
The Miwok of California, A Native American group, use the leaf extract to treat fevers and headaches. The plant is named after the flower’s bottom lip that resembles a pitcher.