Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum, Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 659 (1835))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Benth.

Bibliography: Labiat. Gen. Spec.: 659 (1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trichostema

Vegetable: False

Observations: Oregon to Mexico (Baja California)

Description

Vinegar-weed (Trichostema lanceolatum) is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Originally documented by Benth. in the seminal work “Labiat. Gen. Spec.” in 1835, this intriguing plant boasts a range that extends from Oregon in the north down to Baja California in Mexico.

The Vinegar-weed is easily recognizable due to its unique aroma, which gives it its common name. The plant exhibits lanceolate leaves, which are commonly seen in other members of the Trichostema genus. It thrives in dry, open habitats, often gracing the landscape with its resilient presence. Its flowers, typically blue or violet, bloom in the summer and are a distinct feature of the plant, providing a stark contrast to the rugged terrain it often inhabits.

In its native range, Vinegar-weed serves an important ecological role. It has adapted to survive in various soil types and conditions, showcasing an impressive resilience against environmental challenges. This adaptability not only highlights the plant’s hardiness but also its ecological importance in maintaining the natural balance within its habitat.

The significance of Trichostema lanceolatum extends beyond its ecological contributions. Historically, indigenous peoples and early settlers within its range have utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, capitalizing on its distinctive properties. Despite its somewhat pungent odor, the Vinegar-weed continues to be a plant of interest for both botanical research and traditional uses.

Research and conservation efforts are essential in preserving the natural habitats and distribution of this species, ensuring that Vinegar-weed remains a thriving component of the ecosystems from Oregon to Baja California for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: vinegar-weed, vinegarweed
En: Vinegar-weed, Vinegarweed, Camphor weed

Synonyms

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Oregon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 13, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Shelly Jensen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Shelly Jensen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2019 by Karina Knight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2017 by Linda Lawliss (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 25, 2011 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)

Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 23, 2019 by Magaji Bashar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Nina Adams (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by caitlin (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 17, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by EOL − Daniel George (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by EOL − Daniel George (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 18, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2014 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Nov 11, 2013 by EOL − rosanna (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926654)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:461854-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichostema lanceolatum Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth