Description
Clinopodium cercocarpoides (also called American Basil, Wild Basil, or Wild Bergamot, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to North America. It typically grows in moist, open woods, meadows, and along stream banks. It has a square stem and opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with toothed margins. It produces small, white flowers in clusters in the summer.
Uses & Benefits
Clinopodium cercocarpoides is used as an ornamental plant and is often grown in gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Clinopodium cercocarpoides is small and white, with a yellow center. The seed is small and round, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Clinopodium cercocarpoides is a clump-forming perennial that can reach heights of up to 2 feet. It has small, white flowers and dark green leaves. It is best suited for full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is done by division of the clumps or by seed. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.