Cunila origanoidesDittany
Family:Lamiaceae
common name:Dittany
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: Eastern United States
Height: 0.75 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: May - July
Bloom Color: Lavender
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium moisture
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Grow in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers dry, sandy soils. Easily grown from seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Dittany is a Missouri native plant which grows 8-16" tall and typically occurs in dry, rocky, or open woods, clearings, slopes and prairies. A mint family member which features many-branched, square, wiry stems and clusters of small, purplish (rarely white), two-lipped flowers (note the 2 long protruding stamens and pistil) arising from the leaf axils in mid-summer to fall. Oval, serrated, stalkless leaves are pleasantly aromatic. Leaves can be used in teas and have in the past been used as folk medicine remedies for fever and headaches. Origanoides in Latin means resembling oregano. At first frost, a phenomenon popularly known as "frost flowers" may occur wherein watery sap which is pushed out of stem cracks near the base becomes frozen in ribbon-like, 2" projections.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. May spread somewhat invasively and develop a straggly appearance.
Uses:
An interesting perennial for the herb garden, border front, rock garden, native plant garden or naturalized area.
