Gardening information sheet for plant.

1. *White pitchersage – Lepechinia calycina (lep-uh-KIN-ee-uh cal-ih-SEE-nuh)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Central CA coast (Mendocino to Ventura County) & portions of the Coast Ranges and
Sierra foothills; locally common on rocky slopes, canyons and ridges to about 3000 ft. (900 m.) in
Chaparral, Foothill Woodland communities.
Growth characteristics: part-woody sub-shrub mature height: 4-8 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Shrub or sub-shrub with mounded to irregular habit (much like Lepechinia fragrans). Leaves lance-
shaped to oval, thick, with glandular hairs. Foliage aromatic when crushed – lovely scent.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually March-June. Flowers are the showy, pitcher-shaped
flowers of the Lepechinias – but in this species they’re white or very pale lavender. The flowers
always attract attention – from pollinators, hummingbirds and humans.
Uses in the garden: Often used as an accent plant in part-shady places. Sometimes used as a
hedge plant. Good choice for medicinal/herb garden. Leaves make a fragrant tea that is sometimes
used for headaches and fever (or just for a nice cup of hot or iced tea). Lovely with Monkeyflowers
and California poppies, native grasses and wildflowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird and butterfly plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade in local gardens; full sun only on N. CA coast.
Soil Most local soils, pH. Prefers a well-drained soil.
Water Occasional to moderate water; best with monthly summer water (Water Zone 2)
Fertilizer Not needed but would probably be fine with low dose.
Other Organic mulch or natural leaf mulch is fine.
Management: Prune back to shade in winter. Pinch when growing for fuller plant. May experience
occasional branch die-back (as with Lepechinia fragrans).
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed by cuttings: yes, but haven’t tried it.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 6, 8, 14, 46 3/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND