American germander

Teucrium canadense

The American germander is a lovely plant with small purple flowers. It grows in sunny spots and is often found near water. This plant is great for attracting butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American germander is a slender perennial with square stems and opposite, spear-shaped leaves. It displays showy spikes of pink, purplish-pink, or sometimes white, two-lipped flowers. Its distinctive upright flower clusters rise above the foliage, making it visually appealing.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusTeucrium

American germander

Interesting facts

It's a fantastic native plant that helps many local insects find food and shelter!

Its scientific name 'Teucrium' might come from King Teucer, who supposedly used it for medicine!

Its tiny flowers have only a lower lip, giving them a unique appearance!

This plant is sometimes called 'wood sage' even though it's not a true sage herb!

Special abilities

American germander can spread underground with special roots called rhizomes, helping it explore and colonize new patches of soil.

This plant has sweet nectar in its flowers that acts like a delicious treat, attracting buzzing bees and beautiful butterflies.

American germander has uniquely square-shaped stems, which give it extra strength and rigidity to stand tall in its habitat.

American germander can thrive in both damp and drier soils, adapting its growth to different moisture levels in its home.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-120 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early fall
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Common eastern bumble bee

Bombus impatiens

Visits flowers for nectar.

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Feeds on flower nectar.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Shrub

A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.