Pitcher Sage
Lepechinia calycina
Mint Family (Lamiaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
Pitcher Sage 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 stem.
Height / Size
Grows to a height of 7 feet.
Leaves
Opposite, narrow leaves that are hairy, crinkly, and slightly toothed with indented veins, that grow on stems with 4 ribs.
Flower
Tubular flowers are white, pink, and even varied shades of blue. The flower’s bottom lip is larger than the four others that curl back. The flower is fragrant. Brown papery sepals 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 generally long lived.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
A drought-tolerant plant. The unique tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and various pollinators.
Ethnobotany
To learn more about the ethnobotany of Pitcher Sage, click on the following link: Native American Ethnobotany Data Base