Pycnanthemum californicum Torr. ex Durand

Growth Habit

Pycnanthemum californicum is a perennial herb that grows erect, reaching heights between 0.5 and 1 metre (1.6–3.3 ft).

Herbage Characteristics

Its herbage is hairless to fuzzy and aromatic.

Leaf Morphology

Leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, are lance-shaped to nearly oval, and each measures a few centimeters long.

Inflorescence Structure

Inflorescences form in clusters around the stem, positioned just above each upper pair of leaves.

Flower Appearance

Every flower has a whitish upper lip and a purplish lower lip, which sometimes bears spots.

Bloom Period

The plant blooms from June through September.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to California.

Native Distribution Areas

It is native to the Sierra Nevada, Peninsular Ranges, Eastern Transverse Ranges, and Inner Northern California Coast Ranges.

Elevation and Habitat

It grows at elevations between 500 and 1,900 metres (1,600–6,200 ft), occurring in chaparral, California oak woodland, California mixed evergreen forest, and Yellow pine forest habitats.