Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Acanthomintha obovata is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name San Benito thornmint. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the woodland and chaparral of the coastal mountain ranges in the central part of the state. This is a small annual herb growing up to about 25 centimeters in maximum height. The leaves are about a centimeter long, oval-shaped, and toothed, and those on the upper part of the plant are spiny along the edges. The flower cluster is enfolded in shiny, light-colored leafs with long spines along their margins. The flowers are purple-tipped white and up to 3 centimeters long. They are coated in hairy hairs and their lobes are folded over at the lips.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

2 - 10 in Tall

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Color

White, Purple

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Site type

Grassy slopes

Plant communities

Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Mixed Evergreen Forest