Germander

Teucrium canadense

Origin: North America

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~450

Germination tested 10/2024: 18%

Lifecycle: Perennial

Germander is also referred to as Wild Basil and Wood Sage. It has a solitary stock from 2-3 feet tall, with a raceme of flowers at the top of the stock. Flower color varies from pink to lavender. They are irregular flowers: the upper lip is divided into two lobes, and the extended lower lip is spotted with purple. A pretty little flower whose showiness appears when you bend to get a closer look. Can grow in partial to full sun. Medium to medium wet soils. Blooms July through September.

Because of the bitter flavor of its leaves Germander was used as an herbal remedy, but it is now recommended that people do not consume it because it can cause liver damage.

These seeds were wild foraged for by our friend Bonnie in Winona, Minnesota.

GROWING TIPS: Spreads by rhizomes, can be aggressive in small landscapes. Cold stratify for 60 days or fall sow.