Description
Lamiaceae (family name)
Forage for Pollinators: Produces copious amounts of Nectar for many bees especially Honeybees, Bumblebees and Butterflies. Is rated as an excellent honey plant in its native North America, and can grow very well in the south of the British Isles to produce a honey surplus where drifts are grown, since it is a magnet to all bees.
Flowering time: July-September.
Growing information: PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). Prefers free-draining, but tolerates almost any soil. Hardy to minus 29ºC. “A wonder honey plant” which bees and butterflies feast on; it is estimated that each acre of this crop supports 100 hives. It is a boon for building up bees’ honey reserves before winter because of its later season and prolific flowering. Leaves make a delicious tea for us; also used as a cough remedy by Native Americans. This is a short-lived perennial, but will self-seed (and easy to save seed from). Pollinated by Honeybees and Bumblebees.
