Description
Prairie perennial from the mint family producing beautiful lavender blooms in mid to late summer on densely packed terminal spikes. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Grows best in well drained loamy soils of dry to medium moisture and in part shade to full sun. Clump forming and spreads quickly by rhizomes.
While the flowers are fragrance free, the foliage has an anise (licorice) scent. These leaves can be dried and used for herbal teas, jellies, salads, or potpourri. Harvest foliage when the flowers have finished blooming and the leaf oil content is highest. Native Americans used this plant medicinally.
Photo from Prairie Moon Nursery.
Ontario Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7 (Find out your Hardiness Zone here)