Family – Lamiaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering – April – October.
Habitat – Flatwoods, disturbed sites, ditches, lawns.
Origin – Native to North America.
Other information – This attractive but weedy species can be found in southern Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its square stems, toothed, petiolate leaves, and whorls (verticillasters) of pink flowers. The plant is native to the SE U.S. but is introduced as an ornamental elsewhere. It can be quite invasive if left unchecked.
The genus name Stachys derives from the Greek “stach(ys)” meaning “a spike, ear of corn” referring to the inflorescence.
The species epithet floridana derives from the Latin “florid” meaning “flowery” and means “from Florida (USA).”
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 27, Auburn, AL., 5-4-05.