Lepechinia cardiophylla Epling

Growth Form

Lepechinia cardiophylla is an aromatic shrub.

Stem and Leaf Characteristics

It has branching stems covered in resin glands, and its hairy, glandular leaves are heart-shaped to oval-shaped, often with toothed edges.

Inflorescence Structure

Its inflorescence is a raceme, which bears flowers on prominent pedicels.

Flower Calyx and Corolla

Each flower has a cup-like calyx of glandular sepals surrounding a tubular white to lavender corolla.

The corolla curls back at the opening into small lips.

Fruit Characteristics

Its fruit is a dark, hairless structure a few millimeters long, which develops inside the sepal calyx.

Type Locality

This species was first described from chaparral in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, California, where its populations are mostly concentrated.

Disjunct San Diego County Population

There is a separate disjunct population around Iron Mountain in Poway, San Diego County.

This population fills an intermediate geographic gap between the larger Santa Ana populations and the populations of this species found in Baja California.

Southern Range Replacement

In southern San Diego County, this species is replaced by the distinct species Lepechinia ganderi.

Baja California Distribution

In Baja California, Lepechinia cardiophylla grows abundantly on Cerro Bola, and its range extends south through the coastal mountains from Ensenada to Ejido Eréndira.

Distribution Pattern

Its distribution is possibly relictual.

Habitat Types

This species grows primarily in chaparral and cismontane woodland.

Orange County Soil Association

In Orange County, it is associated with Exchequer soils.

Iron Mountain Soil Association

At Iron Mountain in San Diego County, the dominant soil type is Friant rocky fine sandy loam.

Baja California Soil Association

Populations in Baja California, including those on Cerro Bola, grow on volcanic-derived soils.