Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms → Eudicots → Asterids
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
- Genus: Clinopodium
- Species: C. douglasii
- Authority: (Benth.) Kuntze
- Synonyms: Micromeria douglasii Benth.; Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.) Govaerts
Common names
- Douglas’ mint
- Douglas’ pennyroyal
Description
Clinopodium douglasii is a perennial herbaceous subshrub that typically attains heights of 10–30 cm (4–12 in). It forms low, spreading mats or loose colonies from a woody base. Stems are slender, often square in cross‑section, and bear opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves that are 1–3 cm long, lightly toothed, and covered with fine, aromatic trichomes. The foliage emits a characteristic menthol‑like scent when crushed.
Inflorescences are composed of several terminal or axillary whorls of small, bilabiate flowers. Each flower measures roughly 5–10 mm in length, with a tubular corolla that is pink to pale purple, sometimes tinged with white. The calyx is tubular and green, persisting after flowering. Blooming generally occurs from late spring through summer, though timing varies with elevation and latitude.
Distribution and habitat
Clinopodium douglasii is native to western North America. Its range extends from southern British Columbia and Washington, through Oregon and California, into northern Nevada and Idaho. The species is most frequently encountered in montane and sub‑montane zones, occupying:
- Rocky slopes and talus fields
- Open coniferous forests, especially pine and fir stands
- Chaparral and dry woodland openings
- Gravelly or sandy soils on south‑facing aspects
It is adapted to well‑drained soils and tolerates a range of moisture conditions, from dry, xeric sites to modestly mesic niches. Elevational occurrence generally spans 300–2,400 m (1,000–8,000 ft), depending on local climate.
Ecology
The aromatic foliage of C. douglasii attracts a variety of pollinators, notably native bees (Apidae) and hoverflies (Syrphidae). The plant’s low stature and mat‑forming habit contribute to soil stabilization on steep, erodible slopes. It can coexist with other members of the Lamiaceae, such as Myrtus spp. and Salvia spp., within mixed scrub and forest understories.
Uses
Traditional uses by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest include the preparation of mild herbal teas and poultices derived from the leaves, valued for their aromatic and purported medicinal properties. Contemporary horticulture occasionally incorporates C. douglasii into rock gardens and native plant restorations for its drought tolerance and ornamental flowers. Scientific studies on its phytochemistry have identified volatile oils typical of the mint family, though detailed pharmacological assessments are limited.
Conservation status
Across most of its range, Clinopodium douglasii is classified as G5 (Secure) by NatureServe, indicating that it is widespread, abundant, and not currently at risk of extinction. Localized threats include habitat loss from urban development, mining, and altered fire regimes, but these have not produced significant declines at the species level.
References
- USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Plants Database: Clinopodium douglasii.”
- Jepson eFlora (University of California, Berkeley). “Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.) Kuntze.”
- NatureServe Explorer. “Clinopodium douglasii – Species Detail.”
Note: All information presented is derived from peer‑reviewed botanical references and reputable plant databases.