Lepechinia ganderi, commonly known as San Diego pitcher sage or Gander’s pitcher sage, is a rare perennial shrub native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats in southern San Diego County, California, and northern Baja California, Mexico. It thrives in metavolcanic soils at elevations from 1640 to 3478 feet. Typically, this shrub reaches a height of 3-6 feet with a similar spread, and it is characterized by its slender, rough-haired branches and lance-shaped leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces white to light lavender tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

San Diego pitcher sage is valued for its aromatic foliage and showy flowers, which can add a touch of wild beauty to native plant gardens and xeriscapes. It is well-suited for dry, well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for water-wise landscaping. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade. Due to its rarity, it is not commonly found in cultivation, but it can be a unique addition to a native plant collection. Gardeners should be aware that it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and should take care to avoid overwatering.CC BY-SA 4.0