Subshrubs, 2–4(–5) × 3–6 dm, mostly thinly tomentose. Leaves: petiole bases forming distinct ring around stem; blade elliptic, 0.2–0.6(–1) × 0.1–0.3(–0.4) cm. Inflorescences virgate or cymose; branches usually slender. Involucres 2–3 mm. Flowers 3–4 mm; perianth white to pink or rose. Achenes 2.5–3 mm.

Phenology: Flowering Jul–Oct.
Habitat: Gravelly to rocky soils, chaparral communities, oak and conifer woodlands
Elevation: 300-2200 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif., Mexico (Baja California).

Discussion

Variety membranaceum is a basically Mexican taxon that barely enters the flora area (southwesternmost Kern, western Imperial, Los Angeles, western Riverside, southeastern San Bernardino, San Diego, and southern Ventura counties). The ring-like petiole bases that surround the node are distinctive, being seen otherwise only in some of the perennial species of Chorizanthe in Chile. Ringed-stem bastard-sage is occasionally planted as an ornamental; it is particularly attractive to honey bees. The variety is related to both var. dentatum (S. Stokes) Reveal and var. taxifolium (Greene) Parish of Baja California, Mexico.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.