LAMIACEAE

MINT FAMILY

Dieter H. Wilken, except as specifed

Annual, perennial herb, shrub, glabrous to hairy, generally aromatic
Stems generally erect, generally 4-angled
Leaves generally simple to deeply lobed, opposite, generally gland-dotted
Inflorescence: cyme, generally clustered around stem, head-like, separated by evident internodes (terminal in Monardella ) or collectively crowded, spike-like to panicle-like (sometimes raceme or flowers 2–12); subtended by leaves or bracts; flowers sessile or pedicelled
Flower generally bisexual; calyx generally 5-lobed, radial to bilateral; corolla generally bilateral, 1–2-lipped, upper lip entire or 2-lobed, ± flat to hood-like, sometimes 0, lower lip generally 3-lobed; stamens generally 4, generally exserted, paired, pairs unequal, sometimes 2, staminodes 2 or 0; ovary superior, generally 4-lobed to base, chambers 2, ovules 2 per chamber, style 1, arising from center at junction of lobes, stigmas generally 2
Fruit: nutlets 4, generally ovoid to oblong, smooth
Genera in family: ± 200 genera, 5500 species: worldwide. Many cultivated for herbs, oils (Lavandula , lavender; Mentha , mint; Ocimum , basil; Rosmarinus , rosemary; Thymus , thyme), some cultivated as ornamental (in CA Cedronella , Leonotis , Phlomis )
Reference: [Cantino & Sanders 1986 Syst Bot 11:163–185]

MONARDELLA

James D. Jokerst

Annual, perennial herb, ± gland-dotted
Leaves entire to serrate
Inflorescence: heads 1 or more per main stem, sometimes arrayed in spikes or panicles; bracts in 2–3 series (outer series (0)1–2 pairs, ± like leaves, 0–several mm below heads, erect to reflexed; middle series 2–4 pairs, like leaves to papery or leathery, sometimes straw-colored to purple, erect in cup-like involucre to reflexed; inner series 0–few pairs, membranous, linear-lanceolate)
Flower: calyx 5-lobed, generally < 12 mm; corolla white to purple, upper lip erect, 2-lobed, lower lip recurved, 3-lobed; stamens 4; style unequally 2-lobed
Species in genus: ± 20 species: w North America
Etymology: (Latin: small Monarda )
Reference: [Epling 1925 Ann Missouri Bot Gard 12:1–106]
Complex; hybrids common, often outnumbering non-hybrids; head width and bract orientation given for unpressed specimens
Horticultural information: often DFCLT. Many subsp., subspp., or populations have exacting soil requirements.

Native

M. sheltonii Torr.

Perennial, erect, open, rhizomed, glabrous to densely and minutely canescent
Stem purplish or not
Leaf lanceolate, entire to weakly toothed
Inflorescence: head 10–30 mm wide; bracts like leaves in texture, color, hairiness; outer bracts and tips of middle bracts strongly reflexed
Flower: corolla 10–20 mm, purple
Ecology: Rocky clearings, montane forest, oak woodland, chaparral, often serpentine
Elevation: 600–2000 m.
Bioregional distribution: Klamath Ranges, Outer North Coast Ranges, n&c High Sierra Nevada
Distribution outside California: Oregon
Synonyms: M. villosa subsp. sheltonii (Torr.) Epling
Hybridizes with M. villosa Benth..
Horticultural information: DRN: 6, 15, 16, 17 &SHD: 7, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 &IRR: 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.