ITIS Basic Information
Common Name: San Miguel Savory
Scientific Name: Clinopodium chandleri
Species Code: CLICHA
Management Category: SL (species at risk of loss)
Occurrence Map

Historically present
Currently present
Currently not detected
Table of Occurrences
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Species Information

MSP Species Background

Goals and Objectives

Goal: Maintain or enhance existing San Miguel savory occurrences to ensure multiple conserved occurrences with self sustaining populations to increase resilience to environmental and demographic stochasticity, maintain genetic diversity, and improve chances of persistence over the long term (>100 years) in chaparral, coastal sage scrub and oak woodland vegetation communities.

regional and/or local NFO 2018, 2020 SL
MON-IMP-IMG CLICHA-1

Management units: 3, 4

Beginning in 2018, inspect San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) using the regional rare plant IMG monitoring protocol to record abundance and collect habitat and threats covariate data to determine management needs. After 2018, repeat monitoring every 2 years.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Conduct regional monitoring protocol surveys to assess abundance status and quantify potential threats. on hold
IMP-2 Based upon occurrence status and threats, determine if routine management or more intensive management is warranted. on hold
Criteria Deadline year
Surveys Completed Every 2 Years with Management Recommendations 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-2 MGT-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions as identified through the IMG monitoring in 2016, 2018, and 2020 at San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.
CLICHA-2 MGT-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions as identified through the IMG monitoring in 2016, 2018, and 2020 at San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.
CLICHA-3 MGT-PRP-SBPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan that incorporates best science and management practices (Wall 2009, KEW 2016) to preserve genetic diversity and rescue occurrences in case of catastrophic disturbance. The plan should include recommendations to collect and store seeds over the long term at a permanent, established conservation seed bank (e.g., Institute for Conservation Research Native Plant Seed Bank, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Seed Conservation Program) and for providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds for conservation banking; management oriented research; rescuing occurrences after catastrophic disturbances; and seed bulking and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or to establish new occurrences with consideration of genetic implications for population sustainability.
CLICHA-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
local NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-IMG CLICHA-2

Management units: 3, 4

Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions as identified through the IMG monitoring in 2016, 2018, and 2020 at San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Perform routine management activities such as protecting occurrences from disturbance through enforcement and controlling invasive non-native plant species to =20% absolute cover. available for implementation
IMP-2 Submit monitoring and management data to the SC-MTX website portal. available for implementation
IMP-2 Submit monitoring and management data to the SC-MTX website portal. available for implementation
Criteria Deadline year
Routine Management Completed as Needed Based Upon Monitoring Recommendations 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Human uses of the PreservesHUMUSE
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-1 MON-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2018, inspect San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) using the regional rare plant IMG monitoring protocol to record abundance and collect habitat and threats covariate data to determine management needs. After 2018, repeat monitoring every 2 years.
CLICHA-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
Regional NFO 2019 SL
MGT-PRP-SBPL CLICHA-3

Management units: 3, 4

In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan that incorporates best science and management practices (Wall 2009, KEW 2016) to preserve genetic diversity and rescue occurrences in case of catastrophic disturbance. The plan should include recommendations to collect and store seeds over the long term at a permanent, established conservation seed bank (e.g., Institute for Conservation Research Native Plant Seed Bank, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Seed Conservation Program) and for providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds for conservation banking; management oriented research; rescuing occurrences after catastrophic disturbances; and seed bulking and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or to establish new occurrences with consideration of genetic implications for population sustainability.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Consult the San Diego County Rare Plant Working Group made up of plant ecologists, geneticists, rare plant experts, land managers, restoration practitioners, seed banking and bulking practitioners, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders to provide input and recommendations for the San Miguel savory section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan. On hold
PRP-2 Prepare the seed collection plan to include recommendations to collect seeds over multiple years and several times within a season, accumulate seeds across populations, and to sample among habitats and ecological niches. Include guidelines for collecting and storing seeds along maternal lines and to provide propagules to be used in management experiments, enhancement of existing occurrences, and establishment of new occurrences. On hold
PRP-3 The seed collection plan should have guidelines for collecting seeds from occurrences of sufficient size to accommodate harvest. Include provisions for collecting seed from unconserved populations planned for development. On hold
PRP-4 Include protocols and guidelines for collecting voucher specimens and submitting to the San Diego Natural History Museum (McEachern et al. 2007). On hold
PRP-5 Include guidelines for testing seeds for viability and to obtain information on dormancy and germination rates. On hold
PRP-6 Submit project metadata and the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to MSP Web Portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
By 2020, Completed San Miguel Savory Section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-1 MON-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2018, inspect San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) using the regional rare plant IMG monitoring protocol to record abundance and collect habitat and threats covariate data to determine management needs. After 2018, repeat monitoring every 2 years.
CLICHA-4 MGT-IMP-SBPL In 2020, begin implementing high priority actions for San Miguel savory in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to collect and store seeds at a permanent seed bank and to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new occurrences.
CLICHA-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
Regional and/or Local NFO 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-SBPL CLICHA-4

Management units: 3, 4

In 2020, begin implementing high priority actions for San Miguel savory in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to collect and store seeds at a permanent seed bank and to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new occurrences.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Bulk seed at a qualified facility for enhancement, expansion, establishment or transplantation projects using seed from genetically appropriate donor accessions in the propagation seed bank collection. waiting for precedent action
IMP-2 Maintain records for collected seed to document donor and receptor sites, collection dates and amounts. Submit seed collection, storage and bulking data to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
By 2024, =1 Highest Priority Action Implemented for San Miguel Savory from the MSP Seed Banking and Bulking Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-3 MGT-PRP-SBPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan that incorporates best science and management practices (Wall 2009, KEW 2016) to preserve genetic diversity and rescue occurrences in case of catastrophic disturbance. The plan should include recommendations to collect and store seeds over the long term at a permanent, established conservation seed bank (e.g., Institute for Conservation Research Native Plant Seed Bank, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Seed Conservation Program) and for providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds for conservation banking; management oriented research; rescuing occurrences after catastrophic disturbances; and seed bulking and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or to establish new occurrences with consideration of genetic implications for population sustainability.
CLICHA-6 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2020, begin implementing highest priority management actions identified for San Miguel savory in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
regional NFO 2019, 2020 SL
MGT-PRP-MGTPL CLICHA-5

Management units: 3, 4

In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Consult the San Diego County Rare Plant Working Group made up of plant ecologists, geneticists, rare plant experts, land managers, restoration practitioners, seed banking and bulking practitioners, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders to provide input and recommendations for the San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan. on hold
PRP-2 Develop a conceptual model that identifies management actions to effectively reduce threats to San Miguel savory occurrences. on hold
PRP-3 Prioritize occurrences for management based upon an assessment of occurrence status, the potential for management to significantly reduce identified threats, and the availability of adjacent suitable habitat for occurrence expansion. on hold
PRP-4 Develop an implementation plan for San Miguel savory that prioritizes management actions for the next 5 years and details tasks, lead entities, responsibilities, and timelines, budgets. on hold
PRP-5 Submit project metadata and MSP Rare Plant Management Plan to the MSP Web Portal. on hold
Criteria Deadline year
By 2020, Completed San Miguel Savory Section in MSP Rare Plant Management Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-1 MON-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2018, inspect San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) using the regional rare plant IMG monitoring protocol to record abundance and collect habitat and threats covariate data to determine management needs. After 2018, repeat monitoring every 2 years.
CLICHA-2 MGT-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions as identified through the IMG monitoring in 2016, 2018, and 2020 at San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.
CLICHA-2 MGT-IMP-IMG Beginning in 2017, conduct routine management actions as identified through the IMG monitoring in 2016, 2018, and 2020 at San Miguel savory occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table). Depending on the type and level of threat, management should be conducted as needed, not necessarily every year, and using BMPs with precautions to do no harm.
CLICHA-3 MGT-PRP-SBPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan that incorporates best science and management practices (Wall 2009, KEW 2016) to preserve genetic diversity and rescue occurrences in case of catastrophic disturbance. The plan should include recommendations to collect and store seeds over the long term at a permanent, established conservation seed bank (e.g., Institute for Conservation Research Native Plant Seed Bank, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Seed Conservation Program) and for providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds for conservation banking; management oriented research; rescuing occurrences after catastrophic disturbances; and seed bulking and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or to establish new occurrences with consideration of genetic implications for population sustainability.
CLICHA-4 MGT-IMP-SBPL In 2020, begin implementing high priority actions for San Miguel savory in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to collect and store seeds at a permanent seed bank and to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new occurrences.
CLICHA-6 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2020, begin implementing highest priority management actions identified for San Miguel savory in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
CLICHA-7 MON-IMP-MGTPL In 2020, begin monitoring effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
Regional and/or Local NFO 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-MGTPL CLICHA-6

Management units: 3, 4

In 2020, begin implementing highest priority management actions identified for San Miguel savory in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit metadata, management datasets, and report to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
By 2024, =1 High Priority Management Action Implemented for San Miguel Savory Section from the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-4 MGT-IMP-SBPL In 2020, begin implementing high priority actions for San Miguel savory in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to collect and store seeds at a permanent seed bank and to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new occurrences.
CLICHA-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
CLICHA-7 MON-IMP-MGTPL In 2020, begin monitoring effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
Regional and/or Local NFO 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-MGTPL CLICHA-7

Management units: 3, 4

In 2020, begin monitoring effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit metadata, management effectiveness datasets, analyses, and report to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Effectiveness of High Priority Management Actions Determined 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
CLICHA-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2019, begin preparing a San Miguel savory section in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan that prioritizes management actions to enhance at least 3 occurrences on Conserved Lands (see occurrence table) based upon an assessment of data on occurrence status, habitat and threats. Prepare prioritized management recommendations for re-establishment of historic occurrences or establishment of new occurrences in suitable habitat, if determined to be necessary for gene flow and population persistence. Minimum criteria for enhancement are to reduce invasive annual nonnative plants and thatch to less than 20% absolute cover within the occurrence.
CLICHA-6 MGT-IMP-MGTPL In 2020, begin implementing highest priority management actions identified for San Miguel savory in the MSP Rare Plant Management Plan.
Rare Plant Inspect and Manage Monitoring 2014-2026
From 2014-2026, a Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (MSP Roadmap) monitoring objective for 30 rare plant species is to inspect occurrences to determine management needs. The inspect and manage (IMG) objective is implemented to document the status of rare plant occurrences and assess habitats and threats to develop specific management recommendations. IMG monitoring is implemented by a combination of land managers and contracted biologists in coordination with the SDMMP. Available rare plant data is posted below. New annual updates are typically posted in March. Based upon an evaluation of these data, a 2014-2026 monitoring schedule has been developed for the 30 rare plant species (attached below). Coordinating data collection across the region allows analyses of species and population trends over time and provides a better understanding of the association between habitat and threat covariates and population dynamics.
Valley Fire Rare Plant Discovery Surveys
A project between the SDMMP and US Forest Service to establish and prioritize survey areas on Conserved Lands within the perimeter of the 2020 Valley Fire to document whether historic occurrences are extant and to discover new occurrences for 18 rare plant species. In 2022, AECOM and Conservation Biology Institute botanists surveyed areas for 18 target rare plant species and mapped the spatial extent of each new occurrence, counted or estimated the occurrence population size, and collected voucher specimens. They also photographed each new occurrence from a georeferenced location that captured a representative view of the occurrence. Botanists created a species list for the areas surveyed within the Valley Fire footprint. These areas included locations where rare plants were detected and mapped and negative data point areas where rare plants were not detected. In 2023, botanists shall again conduct surveys on suitable habitat on USFS lands burned in the 2020 Valley Fire. Results from these surveys should lead to a greater understanding of post-fire rare plant composition. In 2023, botanists may see species that did not emerge in the first year of surveys, and species found in the first year of surveys may have expanded their range. The 18 rare plant species included in the surveys are: San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia), Marvin's allium (Allium marvinii), Western spleenwort (Asplenium vespertinum), Deane's milkvetch (Astragalus deanei), Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae), San Diego goldenstar (Bloomeria clevelandii), Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), Lakeside ceanothus (Ceanothus cyaneus), San Miguel savory (Clinopodium chandleri), Variegated dudleya (Dudleya variegata), Mission Canyon bluecup (Githopsis diffusa filicaulis), Ramona horkelia (Horkelia truncata), Heart-leaved pitcher sage (Lepechinia cardiophylla), Felt-leaved pitcher sage (Monardella hypoleuca lanata), Chaparral nolina (Nolina cismontana), Gander's ragwort (Packera ganderi), Moreno currant (Ribes canthariforme), and Parry's tetracoccus (Tetracoccus dioicus).

Current Distribution Rangewide

Occurs in Orange County, Riverside County, San Diego County, and Baja California, Mexico, at elevations between 120 and 1,005 m [1,2,3].

Known Populations in San Diego County

Very rare shrub in San Diego County (one of Southern California's rarest shrubs).Found on San Miguel Mountain, north of San Vicente Reservoir, and north of Padre Barona Creek with historic sightings from other areas [1]. Within MSPA, there are three occurrences on Conserved Lands [4]. In MU3, there are occurrences at Mount Miguel and in the Jamul Mountains while MU4 has a small occurrence at Boulder Oaks Preserve.

List Status

None

Habitat Affinities

Associated with rocky, gabbroic and metavolcanic substrates in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, and valley and foothill grasslands [2,3]. In San Diego County, found on chamise dominated slopes on Los Posas stony fine sandy loams or San Miguel Exchequer rocky silt loam soils [1].

Taxonomy and Genetics

Newly classified in the genus Clinopodium within the Lamiaceae family [5]. Previously placed in the genus Satureja, however molecular DNA evidence demonstrated this genus was not part of a monophyletic grouping.

Life History Demography

Perennial shrub is branched and upper parts are pubescent (hairs short, white). Ranges in height from 2 to 5 dm [6].Flowers grow from the leaf axils in clusters of one to six and range in color from white to lavender. Two-lipped flowers are 4 to 7 mm long. Nutlets are shiny and dark brown, and 1.5 mm in diameter [7].

Seasonal Phenology

Flowers from March through July [2,6].

Pollination Seed Dispersal

No information on pollinators or seed dispersal.

Threats

Threatened by agricultural conversion, urban development and recreational activities; may be threatened by horticultural collecting [3].

Special Considerations:

No information.

Literature Sources

[1] Reiser, C.H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, CA. Available online: http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/rareplants/

[2] California Natural Diversity Database. 2000. Satureja chandleri. Unpublished Report, Natural Heritage Division, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

[3] CNPS, Rare Plant Program. 2014. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 11 June 2014].

[4] MSP-MOM. 2014. Management Strategic Plan Master Occurrence Matrix. http://sdmmp.com/reports_and_products/Reports_Products_MainPage.aspx

[5] Cantino, P.D. and S.J. Wagstaff. 1998. A reexamination of North American Satureja s. l. (Lamiaceae) in light of molecular evidence. Brittonia 50:63-70.

[6] Munz, P.A. 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

[7] Averett, D. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. J.C. Hickman, edit., University of California Press, Berkeley, California.