Description
Lamiaceae
Forage for Pollinators: Produces Nectar for Honeybees, Short-tongued Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and Butterflies.
Flowering time: July, August, September
Growing information: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL native to North America where it is protected as endangered in some states. The flower spike grows to 1-3 feet (0.3m-1m) sparingly branched, except for short leafy stems that develop from the axils of the leaves along the central stem. It is usually a short-lived perennial, although some plants may persist for more years. The showy bracts remain attractive for a long time after flowering, and each flower is replaced by 4 small nut-like fruits, which can ripen and self-sow. Prefers full sun or part-shade and well-drain to sandy soil, and can tolerate drought. This species was grown in the past in USA as a crop to produce thymol, and as a honey plant, producing honey which is light amber and minty tasting.
* Contains biocidal agent thymol. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of thymol, ranging from inducing antibiotic susceptibility in drug-resistant pathogens to powerful antioxidant properties. Thymol and carvacrol reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics through a synergistic effect, and thymol has been shown to be an effective fungicide (source: Wikipedia).
