Lacy Germander, Cut-leaf Germander,Teucrium laciniatum,Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

7/14/2023

Found in dry, open areas
Seen blooming in July near Hwy 554 in Abiquiu

Lacy Germander grows to 8 inches tall, often in colonies, with densely leafy stems. The leaves are deeply cut. The plant’s aromatic blooms are showy, white, and funnel-shaped, crowded at the top of erect stems, sometimes with purple lines at the throat. Flowers have a lower petal two or three times longer than the other petals, looking like a landing pad for pollinators. There are no Native American uses for this plant, but other plants in this genus are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, inflammations, diabetes and rheumatism. Source. The Santa Fe Extension Master Gardener says that Lacy Germander is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies. That it is deer resistant, evergreen and quite sturdy, holding up to New Mexico’s strong spring winds. It often forms a dense mat in sunny, unirrigated areas. In the home landscape it can be used as a groundcover, in borders, or in perennial gardens. Source.

If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.

1 Comment

Felicia Fredd

7/14/2023 02:58:11 pm

I love this ongoing journal/article. I haven't seen Teucrium laciniatum yet in my neighborhood, but will keep eyes open. I wish someone was cultivating some of our local plant species!

Author

I am Marilyn Phillips, a native of England, whose love of nature and the outdoors from childhood brought me by a circuitous route to Crested Butte, Colorado in 1993 and 16 years later to northern New Mexico. My exploration of the many trails in these areas, my interest in wildflowers and photography, and career in computer system design came together in this creation. If you have any corrections, comments or questions, please contact me by email.