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American Germander (Wood Sage)

Teucrium canadense
Family: 
Lamiaceae (mints)
Description: 

Colony-forming perennial with a 4-sided, hairy stem that is rarely branched. Flowers lavender or pink, in terminal and lateral racemes, densely spaced. The corolla has an unusual configuration; it seems to have no upper lip, since those 2 lobes are pointed upward like horns, while the lower lip is much larger and complicated, with 2 rounded side lobes and a large, cupped, bottom lobe; 4 stamens protrude noticeably, with reddish-brown anthers. Blooms June-September. Leaves opposite, lanceolate, sharply pointed; on petioles, with sharp or rounded teeth. Crushed foliage has a slightly foul odor.

Similar species: Two varieties of this species have been recorded for Missouri, and they are difficult to tell apart. American germander has several characteristics in common with its mint-family relatives, such as the square stems, opposite leaves and two-lipped flowers. But this is the only mint in our state with the unique corolla lobe configuration.

Size: 
Height: to about 3 feet.
Habitat and conservation: 
Occurs in fields, prairies, low woods, streamsides, roadsides, railroads and other disturbed sites, usually in moist soil.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Statewide.
Human connections: 
Germander had many medicinal uses, to induce menstruation and urination, to cause sweating and to treat lung and throat ailments, intestinal parasites and external wounds. The name "germander" is ancient and apparently has always referred to plants in this genus.
Ecosystem connections: 
As with the elaborate floral structures of orchids, the flowers are elegantly adapted for insect pollination. A variety of insects are guided to the nectar and pollen by the dark purple spots on the large lower lip. The broad lower lip is a fine landing pad for flying insects.

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