Looking for an easy-to-grow flower that will add a splash of color to your garden and attract pollinators? Look no further than American Germander! This versatile plant is not only a beautiful addition to any landscape but is also attractive to a host of pollinating insects. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of growing American Germander in your garden, from its vibrant flowers to its practical uses. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there’s something for everyone to learn about American Germander in the garden.
American germander (Teucrium canadense) can be found in the Eastern US. It is a member of the mint family of the plant kingdom. It is the only wild species of this family that is native to Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Native Plants Society.
It is also known by many other names, including Canada germander and wood sage.
Identification of American Germander
American germander is a hardy herbaceous perennial that belongs to the mint family. It is a popular plant for herb and cottage gardens due to its lovely foliage, long blooming period, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Here are some tips on how to identify American germander:
Appearance:
American germander can grow up to 2-4 feet in height and has a spreading growth habit. It has light green, slightly toothed leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stem. The plant produces spikes of small, pale pink to lavender flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall.
Smell:
Crush a leaf or stem of the plant and take a sniff. American germander has a distinct, pleasant minty aroma. Since it is in the mint family you would expect this to be the case.
Habitat:
American germander is commonly found growing wild in open fields, prairies, and along roadsides, usually in moist soil.
Growth habit:
The plant has a rhizomatous growth habit, meaning it spreads by underground stems, forming a dense clump of foliage.
Leaf arrangement:
As with all plants in the mint family, it has a hollow, square stem. Leaves grow opposite on the stem with each pair offset 90° from the previous pair. The leaves are simple and lance-like, with toothed margins, and are up to 4″ long.
Flowers:
The flowers bloom for approximately one month during the summer on a tall stem. Lower flowers open first and flowers higher up the stem open as the lower flowers mature. The flowers have a large lower lobe that is spoon-shaped and points downward, two middle lobes that are rounded and extend outward, and two upper lobes that point upwards. The upward-pointing lobes have been described as looking like a pair of horns.
If you are planting it in a garden be aware that it spreads rapidly. It is mostly grown as a ground cover in gardens. You can purchase Germander seeds here.
Medicinal Uses of American Germander
The plant has been used in the past for treating conditions such as gallbladder disease, digestion, fever, and other uses. However, it is NOT RECOMMENDED for use medicinally. It can produce serious side effects such as liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death.
Although our ancestors used this plant medicinally, it should be avoided for that use due to the potential side effects in humans. It can be planted to enjoy the flowers, which are also a great bee and hummingbird attraction.
Conclusion
American germander is a moisture-loving plant that is an Arkansas native wildflower. It should not be used medicinally, but it is great in the garden to attract bees and hummingbirds.
You may also like to see this recent article on the American Bellflower.
Be sure and check out our list of articles to discover a wealth of information on other wild edible and medicinal plants.
FAQs:
Q: Is American germander invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive.
Q: Is American germander good for bees?
A: Yes, it is an excellent plant for attracting and supporting pollinators, including bees.
Q: How do you identify germander?
A: Germander is a low-growing, bushy perennial with small, narrow leaves and whorls of small, tubular flowers. The leaves are opposite, and the flowers are usually pink or purple.
Q: Do hummingbirds like germander?
A: Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular flowers of germander and will visit them for nectar.
Q: What is the American germander used for?
A: It has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes historically. However, it is not recommended as it can cause liver damage and other toxic damage.
Q: Do deer eat American germander?
A: No, deer tend to avoid American germander due to its bitter taste and strong scent.
Q: How do you grow germander from seed?
A: Germander seeds should be planted in well-draining soil in the spring or fall. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of sun. Germination can take up to three weeks.
Q: What is American germander used for?
A: It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.