
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Pycnanthemum |
| Family: | Lamiaceae (Mint) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; fields, prairies, thickets |
| Bloom season: | July - September |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Flowers are densely packed in flat clusters about 1 inch across at the top of the plant, and at the end of stems branching from the leaf axils near the top of the plant. Only a few flowers in a cluster are in bloom at one time. Individual flowers are about ¼ inch across and tubular with 2 lips. The upper lip has 2 lobes, but may look like 1. The lower lip has 3 lobes all about the same size. Color is white with purple spots. Inside the tube are 4 stamens with white tips that turn brown with age; the outside of the tube is covered in fine hairs.
Leaves are up to 2½ inches long and ½ inch wide, toothless and hairless, tapering to a pointed tip, with a slightly rounded base and no leaf stem. Attachment is opposite, The main stem is square with short hairs all along the angles; color is green or reddish.
Each flower produces 4 1-seeded nutlets.
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Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, Rice Creek Trail Corridor and Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN July 2007 and July-September 2008
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?