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. linoides A. Gray

Perennial, erect, open
Stem 10–50 cm, woody below, silvery to ash-gray with densely matted hairs; internodes generally > leaves
Leaf 10–40 mm, linear to narrowly ovate, entire, greenish, silvery, or ash-gray
Inflorescence: head 20–30 mm wide; outer bracts 0; middle bracts ovate, acuminate, papery, hairy, ciliate, whitish, straw-colored, rose, or purple, outer of middle series erect, in cup-like involucre, sometimes leaf-like at tips
Flower: calyx lobes stiff-hairy; corolla 12–15 mm, whitish, lavender, or pale purple; stamens exserted
Chromosomes: n=21
Ecology: Desert scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland, open conifer forest, subalpine
Elevation: 900–3100 m.
Bioregional distribution: s High Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi Mountain Area, s South Coast, San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, sw Peninsular Ranges, San Jacinto Mountains, East of Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert
Distribution outside California: Nevada, Baja California

Native

subsp. viminea (Greene) Abrams

WILLOWY MONARDELLA

Plant taprooted
Stem 10–50 cm, hairy, glaucous-green
Leaf 20–40 mm, linear to lanceolate, minutely puberulent, appearing glaucous
Inflorescence: head 1 per main stem (or several in ± terminal spikes); bracts greenish white, often rose-tipped, conspicuously gland-dotted, outer reflexed, like leaves or not
Flower: corolla white to rose
Ecology: Rocky washes
Elevation: < 400 m.
Bioregional distribution: s South Coast, sw Peninsular Ranges (San Diego Co.)
Distribution outside California: Baja California
Horticultural information: In cultivation.