Teucrium canadense - American Germander

Sizes available: TBD, coming in 2026

Basics: zones 4-9 (perhaps colder), 2-3' x 2-3' (could be wider), full sun to part shade (some dispute about this), tiny lavender-pink flowers bloom in a crowded spire during the summer, likes medium wet to medium dry soils. Although it enjoys wet areas, it is somewhat adaptable to drought.

Common names: American Germander, Wood Sage, Wild Basil (other plants also have this common name), Canadian Germander, Hairy Germander

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin/Distribution: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says this plant occurs in every state except Hawaii. Go Botany says it is native to all of New England.

Habitat: This is a strong grower with many variants, and therefore, it occurs in a wide range of habitats. It is clear that it prefers a moister situation, but it also has some drought and salt tolerance. Found on stream edges, low woods and thickets, floodplains, along railroads, brackish marsh and flat (shallow-submersion is okay), sea beaches, and wetland edges.

More: There is conflicting information about this plant. This indicates to me that it is a good bet in your garden somewhere! But, site carefully as It is a strong grower and will colonize a consistently damp area. It makes a good cut flower and attracts numerous pollinators including long-tongued bees, hummingbirds, and hummingbird moths. The leaves have been used medicinally as well as a battering agent in beer prior to the adoption of hops for that purpose. However, it is also toxic and has been banned as a medicinal in many countries, so proceed with caution.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Prairie Moon Nursery

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons