Taxon Report

Lepechinia cardiophylla Epl.

heart-leaved pitcher sage

Print Report


© 2003 Vince Scheidt

Species Description:
Lepechinia cardiophylla, commonly known as heart-leaved pitcher sage, is a perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Chaparral, Cismontane woodland, and Closed-cone coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 520 to 1370 meters. Lepechinia cardiophylla is ranked 1B.2, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Moderately threatened in California.

  Classification

Scientific Name:
Lepechinia cardiophylla Epl.
Common Name:
heart-leaved pitcher sage
Family: Lamiaceae
Element Code: PDLAM0V020
USDA Plants Symbol: LECA4
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial shrub
Blooming Period: Apr-Jul Apr-Jul
Elevation: 520-1370 (1705-4495)
General Habitats: Chaparral, Cismontane woodland, Closed-cone coniferous forest
Microhabitat:
Microhabitat Details:

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 25
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 3
   Good (B) 2
   Fair (C) 1
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 19
California Endemic:  False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Orange (ORA), Riverside (RIV), San Diego (SDG)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Alberhill (3311764), Black Star Canyon (3311776), Corona South (3311775), La Mesa (3211771), Pala (3311731), Pechanga (3311741), San Pasqual (3311618), San Vicente Reservoir (3211688), Santiago Peak (3311765)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB

Threat List Total: 7
EOs with Threat Listed: Total EOs % of EOs
5 20 %
Other 4 16%
Road/trail construction/maint. 3 12%
Wood cutting or brush clearing 3 12%
Biocides 2 8%
Development 1 4%
Logging 1 4%
Non-native plant impacts 1 4%

Notes

Known in CA from fewer than twenty occurrences. Threatened by development. Potentially threatened by road maintenance, powerline installation, and fuel break maintenance.
Threats:
Taxonomy:
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 15 January 2025].