Taxon Report

Monardella breweri A. Gray ssp. microcephala (A. Gray) Elvin & A. C. Sanders

small-headed monardella

Print Report

Taxon Summary

Monardella breweri ssp. microcephala, commonly known as small-headed monardella, is a annual herb in the Lamiaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Chaparral, Cismontane woodland, and Lower montane coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 230 to 1200 meters. Monardella breweri ssp. microcephala is ranked 2B.2, Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, But More Common Elsewhere; Moderately threatened in California.

Classification


Scientific Name:	Monardella breweri A. Gray ssp. microcephala (A. Gray) Elvin & A. C. Sanders
Common Name:	small-headed monardella
Family:	Lamiaceae
Element Code:	PDLAM180B3
USDA Plants Symbol:
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History


Lifeform:	annual herb
Blooming Period: May-Aug	May-Aug
Elevation:	230-1200 (755-3935)
General Habitats:	Chaparral, Cismontane woodland, Lower montane coniferous forest
Microhabitat:	Disturbed areas (sometimes), Granitic, Openings
Microhabitat Details:

Conservation Status


CA Rare Plant Rank:	2B.2
Global Rank:	G5T3
State Rank:	S2
State List:	None
Fed List:	None
Other Status:
CRPR Changes:	added to 2B.2 on 2022-07-22

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB


Total Occurrences:	9
Element Occurrence Ranks:
Excellent (A)	0
Good (B)	0
Fair (C)	0
Poor (D)	0
None (X)	0
Unknown (U)	9

Location


California Endemic: False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
San Diego (SDG)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Alpine (3211677), Barrett Lake (3211666), Cameron Corners (3211664), Campo (3211654), Descanso (3211675), Morena Reservoir (3211665), Mount Laguna (3211674), Potrero (3211655), San Vicente Reservoir (3211688), Tecate (3211656)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB


Threat List Total:	0
EOs with Threat Listed:	Total EOs	% of EOs
	0	%

Notes



Most occurrences historical; needs field work. Fire effects need study.
Threats:

Taxonomy:
Intergrades extensively with M. breweri ssp. lanceolata in SDG Co.; plants from north of the Jacumba Mtns. are ± intermediate.

Selected References

Proposed Addition to California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, G4 T3 / S2 (2022)

Synoptical Flora of North America, 2nd ed., 2(1): 459 (1886)

Novon 19(3): 337 (2009)

Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 12: 84 (1925)

Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 25 October 2025].