This species is endemic to the Mediterranean region, where it has an area of occupancy (AOO) of 32 km² and an extent of occurrence ( EOO) of 81,475 km² with presence in a maximum of nine locations. It suffers extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals according to different management regimes and populations are severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in habitat quality as a result of a range of threats. It is therefore classed as Endangered [B2ab(iii)c(iv)].

Teucrium aristatum is found in southwestern and central mainland Spain (Anthos 2018) and at one location in France (Crau, Bouches-du-Rhone; Coste 1980, Barbero et al. 1982, Grillas et al. 2004).

In France, this species is known from a single population in the edge of the Crau which supports fewer than 250 individuals. In Spain, it is known from a number of sites scattered across Cadiz, Huelva, Sevilla and Cuence Provinces in Spain, mapped as a total of seven sites by Anthos (2018).

The population is inferred to be declining as a result of habitat decline, but it is not known if there is continuing decline in the number of mature individuals. Genetic exchange between sites, apart from the cluster in Cuenca Province now seems highly unlikely. Whilst information on the viability of these subpopulations is not available, the species is precautionarily considered to be severely fragmented. In addition, the population undergoes extreme fluctuations in the number of mature individuals according to different management regimes.

The species is restricted to perennial and annual Mediterranean temporary pools (Corine biotopes 22.34 southern amphibious communities) on clay soil, wet temporary inundated soils and banks of rivers and streams.

The habitat in sites supporting this species in parts of Spain are threatened by abandonment and consequent succession.

Teucrium aristatum needs grazing to prevent competition by herbaceous species. Abandonment as well as intensification of grazing are therefore potential threats. It is also threatened by development, invasive species and droughts resulting from climate change.

The species is not utilised.

This species was classed Endangered in the Spanish Red List (Moreno 2008), and is as Endangered on the France national Red List (UICN Comité français et al. 2023).

The French populations are in a protected area that is managed by grazing, and it is protected at the national level in France. Ex situ conservation is in place.

Conservation and research required
- Monitoring of the existing sites and to explore for new sites.
- To maintain grazing.
- To study the biology and the ecology of the species.
- Legal protection (list of protected species in Europe).