Clinopodium georgianum R.M. Harper

Georgia Wild Basil; Georgia Calamint; Georgia Basil

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Georgia Mint is a native perennial shrub in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is found in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Georgia Mint grows in xeric pine woodlands, sandhills, sandy ridges along major streams, and in rocky woodlands. Georgia Mint has variously been placed in the genus Satureja or Calamintha. It is a woody, evergreen, mounding sub-shrub. Georgia Mint grows to a height of twelve to eighteen inches. The main stem branches near ground level into multiple upright stems. The stems are 4-angled and lower portions of the stems have brown bark that sheds in longish plates. Georgia Mint has opposite roundish leaves. The leaves are petiolate, ovate to elliptic in outline, and either entire or with crenate or serrate margins. Short branches or fascicles of small leaves occur in the axils of the main stem leaves. The entire plant is aromatic. From late summer through the winter, pale lavender or pinkish flowers are produced from the leaf axils. The flowers occur in 3-9 flowered cymes. The calyx is tubular, green or purple in color, with 5 teeth. The two lower teeth are much longer than the upper 3 teeth. The flower is two-lipped, with the upper lip two-lobed and the lower lip three-lobed. The center lobe of the lower lip is spotted with purple. The fruit is a mericarp that remains attached within the calyx. It is an excellent bee plant. Georgia Mint is available from many native plant nurseries. It can also be propagated by cuttings or from seed. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It prefers well-draining soils and full to partial sun. Its low growth form makes it ideal for boarders and rock gardens. An herbal tea is made from the dried leaves.--A. Diamond

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Native

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