Monardella sheltonii, commonly known as Shelton’s Monardella, is a perennial herb or subshrub that is evergreen in mild climates and semi-deciduous in colder regions. It is native to the chaparral and woodlands of California, particularly in the Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada foothills. This plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a compact mound. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, and it produces whorls of tubular, purple flowers from late spring to early fall, which are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Shelton’s Monardella is valued for its drought tolerance, fragrant foliage, and long blooming period, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It is also used in herbal medicine, traditionally by indigenous peoples, for various ailments. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. It is generally free of serious pests and diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0