California Pitcher Sage
ExplorePlants
California Pitcher Sage
lepechinia calycina
The California Pitcher Sage is a beautiful plant with tall, colorful flowers that attract many bees and butterflies! It loves to grow in sunny spots and can often be found in gardens and parks.
Habitat: California chaparral and coastal areas.
Appearance
The California Pitcher Sage is a bushy perennial with wrinkled, oval-shaped leaves and distinctive cup-shaped, green calyces that enclose tubular, pale lavender to white flowers. Its calyces give it a unique pitcher-like appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusLepechinia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its "pitcher" name comes from the cup-like calyx, not for holding water!
Native Californians traditionally brewed its leaves for refreshing teas and soothing remedies.
Rub its leaves gently to release a unique minty-citrus aroma, a natural perfume!
This resilient sage often thrives on dry, sunny slopes where other plants struggle.
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Master
California Pitcher Sage has deep roots and small leaves that help it survive long, dry periods with very little water.
Ability
Scented Shield
California Pitcher Sage can release a strong, aromatic scent from its leaves that deters hungry herbivores from nibbling.
Ability
Fire Fighter
California Pitcher Sage can quickly re-sprout from its roots after wildfires, allowing it to recover and thrive in burned areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 50-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen for its hive.
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
An important native pollinator of its flowers.
pollinates
Anna's hummingbird
Archilochus anna
Feeds on nectar from its tubular blooms.
eaten by
Mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
May browse its leaves, especially young growth.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
California Sage
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California Pitcher Sage?
50-150 cm
How wide does California Pitcher Sage spread?
50-100 cm
How big are the flowers on California Pitcher Sage?
2-3 cm
When does California Pitcher Sage bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is California Pitcher Sage edible?
Yes
Is California Pitcher Sage toxic?
None
What is California Pitcher Sage's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is California Pitcher Sage pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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