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Trichostema setaceum Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Trichostema setaceum Houtt. – Blue Curls

Trichostema setaceum plant

FamilyLamiaceae

Stems:

Trichostema setaceum stem

Leaves:

N/A

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Trichostema setaceum calyxCalyx close-up.

Trichostema setaceum flower

Flowering – August – October.

Habitat – Sandhills, sandy or rocky upland woods.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found in scattered counties throughout Alabama. The plant grows in sandy, dry areas. This species is easy to identify in the field becasue of its thin, opposite leaves, pubescent stems, and showy, blue flowers.
The genus name derives from the Greek :trico” meaning “hair” and “stem(a)” meaning “stamen” referring to the long stamens of the flowers.
The species epithet, setaceum, derives from the Latin “set(a)” meaning “a bristle”. The name means “bristle-like”.

Alabama Distribution:

Trichostema setaceum map

Photographs taken off Lee Rd 10, Auburn, AL., 9-29-04.