Vinegar-weed

Trichostema lanceolatum

annualView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Size

3–3ft tall

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Fragrant

Yes

Native Range

Widespread throughout coastal and interior California from Humboldt County to San Diego County, below 3000 ft elevation, in chaparral and scrub

Care Guide

Planting

Plant vinegar-weed in full sun and well-draining soil - it thrives in the dry, nutrient-poor, sun-baked clay soil conditions of its native California habitat. This is an annual plant, so you can direct sow seeds in fall or early spring to align with the natural growing season. Space plants about 3 feet apart since they reach 3 feet tall at maturity.

After Planting

Vinegar-weed is adapted to dry conditions, so once established, it requires minimal supplemental water beyond normal rainfall - avoid overwatering, which is the most common mistake with this drought-adapted native. As an annual, the plant will complete its lifecycle in a single season and naturally decline; simply let it finish its bloom cycle and reseed if desired, or remove it at the end of the growing season.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Crotch's bumblebeeBombus crotchii

Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly

CA: Endangered

Valley carpenter beeXylocopa californica diamesa

California CESA Threatened; also Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported