Trichostema lanatum: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:49, 9 February 2025

Species of flowering plant

Trichostema lanatum, commonly known as woolly bluecurls, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to California, where it is found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats.

Description

Trichostema lanatum is a small, aromatic shrub that typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. The plant is characterized by its narrow, needle-like leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a woolly appearance. The flowers are striking, with long, curling blue petals and prominent stamens that extend outward, resembling the curls of a woolly sheep, hence the common name "woolly bluecurls."

Habitat and Distribution

This species is endemic to California, where it is commonly found in the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and is often found on slopes and in areas that experience periodic wildfires, which help to clear competing vegetation and promote its growth.

Ecology

Trichostema lanatum plays a role in its ecosystem by providing nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant's aromatic oils may also deter herbivores, contributing to its survival in the wild.

Cultivation

Woolly bluecurls is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, and it is drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners value it for its low water needs and its ability to attract pollinators.

Conservation

While not currently listed as threatened or endangered, Trichostema lanatum faces habitat loss due to urban development and changes in fire regimes. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitat and promoting awareness of its ecological importance.

Related pages

References

Jepson Flora Project (eds.) (2023). Trichostema lanatum. Jepson eFlora, University of California.
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. Calflora Database.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Trichostema lanatum''', also known as [[woolly bluecurls]], is a flowering plant species native to the [[chaparral]] biome of southern and central [[California]], and Baja California, Mexico. It belongs to the [[Lamiaceae]] family, which is commonly known as the mint family.
+{{short description|Species of flowering plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Trichostema lanatum
+| image = Trichostema_lanatum_4.jpg
+| image_caption = Trichostema lanatum in bloom
+| regnum = Plantae
+| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
+| unranked_classis = Eudicots
+| unranked_ordo = Asterids
+| ordo = Lamiales
+| familia = Lamiaceae
+| genus = Trichostema
+| species = '''T. lanatum'''
+| binomial = ''Trichostema lanatum''
+| binomial_authority = Benth.
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''''Trichostema lanatum''''', commonly known as woolly bluecurls, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, [[Lamiaceae]]. It is native to [[California]], where it is found in [[chaparral]] and [[coastal sage scrub]] habitats.
-'''Trichostema lanatum''' is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters. The plant is characterized by its long, narrow leaves and dense clusters of purple-blue flowers. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered in a dense woolly hair (lanate), which gives the plant its specific epithet, ''lanatum''. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall, are tubular and curved, with long, protruding stamens that give the plant its common name, woolly bluecurls.
-== Habitat and Distribution ==
+==Description==
-'''Trichostema lanatum''' is found in the [[chaparral]] and coastal sage scrub habitats of southern and central [[California]], and Baja California, Mexico. It is most commonly found on dry, rocky slopes and in well-drained soils. The plant is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native range, characterized by wet winters and dry summers.
+''Trichostema lanatum'' is a small, aromatic shrub that typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. The plant is characterized by its narrow, needle-like leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a woolly appearance. The flowers are striking, with long, curling blue petals and prominent stamens that extend outward, resembling the curls of a woolly sheep, hence the common name "woolly bluecurls."
-== Cultivation and Uses ==
+==Habitat and Distribution==
-'''Trichostema lanatum''' is popular in native plant gardening and is used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. The plant is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun exposure. It is also used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes, such as the [[Chumash people|Chumash]], who used the plant for a variety of ailments.
+This species is endemic to [[California]], where it is commonly found in the [[California chaparral and woodlands]] ecoregion. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and is often found on slopes and in areas that experience periodic wildfires, which help to clear competing vegetation and promote its growth.
-== Conservation ==
+==Ecology==
-While '''Trichostema lanatum''' is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is under threat from urban development, agriculture, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and the propagation of the species in cultivation.
+''Trichostema lanatum'' plays a role in its ecosystem by providing nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant's aromatic oils may also deter herbivores, contributing to its survival in the wild.
-== See Also ==
+==Cultivation==
-* [[List of California native plants]]
+Woolly bluecurls is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, and it is drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners value it for its low water needs and its ability to attract pollinators.
-* [[Flora of California]]
+==Conservation==
+While not currently listed as threatened or endangered, ''Trichostema lanatum'' faces habitat loss due to urban development and changes in fire regimes. Conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural habitat and promoting awareness of its ecological importance.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Chaparral]]
+* [[California native plants]]
+* [[Lamiaceae]]
+==References==
+* Jepson Flora Project (eds.) (2023). ''Trichostema lanatum''. Jepson eFlora, [http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=47000 University of California].
+* Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=8120 Calflora Database].
 [[Category:Flora of California]]
 [[Category:Lamiaceae]]
-{{California-flora-stub}}
+[[Category:Endemic flora of California]]