American Germander

American Germander

PK2Morgan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Teucrium canadense
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

American Germander (Teucrium canadense) is a vigorous native perennial in the mint family, known for its tall spikes of pale purple to pinkish flowers and aromatic foliage. Found in moist habitats across much of the eastern and central United States, including Southeast Texas, this hardy plant is a magnet for pollinators and a strong performer in rain gardens, wet meadows, and naturalized borders.

• Scientific Name: Teucrium canadense
• Common Names: American Germander, Canada Germander
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial
• Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Leaves: Opposite, lance-shaped, serrated edges, aromatic when crushed
• Flowers: Tubular, lavender to pinkish-lavender, arranged in dense spikes
• Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Habitat & Range in Southeast Texas

American Germander thrives in:

• Wet Prairies & Meadows: Common in low-lying, periodically wet areas
• Streambanks & Ditches: Handles flooding and wet soils
• Woodland Edges: Can tolerate light shade

It prefers moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions.

Ecological Importance

• Pollinator Magnet: Its abundant nectar supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Soil Stabilizer: Rhizomatous roots help stabilize soils in riparian areas
• Biodiversity Booster: Provides cover and nectar in diverse plant communities

Landscaping & Gardening Uses

This hardy native thrives in naturalized settings and rain gardens:

• Rain Gardens: Perfect for areas that collect water after rains
• Pollinator Gardens: Supports a wide range of beneficial insects
• Naturalized Borders: Forms attractive colonies over time

Planting & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, rich soils but tolerates varied conditions
• Water Needs: Moderate to high; tolerates wet conditions
• Maintenance: Spreads by rhizomes; cut back after flowering to manage spread if desired
• Companion Plants: Mixes well with Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), and Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Fun Facts

• Despite its beauty, American Germander has a bitter taste and is rarely grazed by deer.
• Native bees especially love its long bloom period.
• Historically, the plant has been used in herbal medicine.

Conservation & Native Plant Advocacy

Adding American Germander to your garden or restoration project helps support vital pollinator populations and enhances the structure and diversity of wetland and prairie ecosystems.

Where to Find It