LARGE-FLOWERED CONRADINA
Also Known AsConradina [3]
Largeflower False Rosemary
Large-flowered Rosemary
Scrub Mint [6]
Largeflower False Rosemary
Large-flowered Rosemary
Scrub Mint [6]
Edible Parts
Animal Interaction
Other Uses
This species of scrub mint is endemic to Florida, occurring from Volusia county, south along the Atlantic Coastal Plain to Broward county. It is most likely extirpated from Miami-Dade county. It is the largest-flowered of the seven Conradina species and is the only one found in south Florida. You can purchase this species from some native plant nurseries and grow it in a sunny sandy spot in the garden to enjoy the delightfully fragrant crushed foliage. I can find no references relating to it being a possible edible or medicinal plant, however, I would not be surprised at all if native Tequestas and other southeastern coastal Florida tribes used this plant as a food and or medicine.The pretty lavender flowers attract various pollinators, including bees. Never harvest this state-threatened species from the wild.
CAUTION: Never harvest this state-threatened species from the wild. There are only approximately 64 occurrences. The Florida Native Plant Society is correct in saying that plants "should only be acquired from reputable plant nurseries."
WILDLIFE: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators. [1]
BORDER PLANT: It can be planted as a border plant.
GROUNDCOVER: It makes a nice, fragrant foot-tall groundcover but doe snot tolerate foot traffic.
BORDER PLANT: It can be planted as a border plant.
GROUNDCOVER: It makes a nice, fragrant foot-tall groundcover but doe snot tolerate foot traffic.
Conradinas are know as Scrub Mints. [6]
CONSERVATION STATUS: NatureServe Global Status: Vulnerable. [4]
- Florida Natural Areas Inventory State Status: Rare
- IRC south Florida Status: Rare
NATIVE TO: In Florida it occurs from Volusia county, south along the coast to Miami-Dade county. "experts say it's likely extirpated, or locally extinct, within Miami-Dade." [6] It can be found in "places like Seacrest Scrub Natural Area in Boynton Beach" [6] and Jonathan Dickison State Park.
HABITAT: "Scrub, coastal strand. In disturbed areas." [1] Dunes. Along the Atlantic coastal plain.
FIRE DEPENDENCY: In the wild, it "requires fire to keep the habitat open and sunny." [2]
DESCRIPTION: A perennial flowering shrub.
HEIGHT: 3-4'. [1]
WIDTH: 1-2'. [1]
FLOWERS: Purple-lavender, showy. "Each flower has a hairy, maroon-tinged calyx of pointed sepals. The flower corolla is about 2 centimeters long, with a funnel-shaped throat and a hairy, lipped mouth. It is lavender in color with darker lavender spots." [
CULTURE: ]
LIGHT: Full sun.
DROUGHT TOLERNACE: High.
PROPAGATION: By seed. [1]
RELATED SPECIES: "There are 7 species of Conradina, all native to the southeastern United States." [2]
CONSERVATION STATUS: NatureServe Global Status: Vulnerable. [4]
- Florida Natural Areas Inventory State Status: Rare
- IRC south Florida Status: Rare
NATIVE TO: In Florida it occurs from Volusia county, south along the coast to Miami-Dade county. "experts say it's likely extirpated, or locally extinct, within Miami-Dade." [6] It can be found in "places like Seacrest Scrub Natural Area in Boynton Beach" [6] and Jonathan Dickison State Park.
HABITAT: "Scrub, coastal strand. In disturbed areas." [1] Dunes. Along the Atlantic coastal plain.
FIRE DEPENDENCY: In the wild, it "requires fire to keep the habitat open and sunny." [2]
DESCRIPTION: A perennial flowering shrub.
HEIGHT: 3-4'. [1]
WIDTH: 1-2'. [1]
FLOWERS: Purple-lavender, showy. "Each flower has a hairy, maroon-tinged calyx of pointed sepals. The flower corolla is about 2 centimeters long, with a funnel-shaped throat and a hairy, lipped mouth. It is lavender in color with darker lavender spots." [
CULTURE: ]
LIGHT: Full sun.
DROUGHT TOLERNACE: High.
PROPAGATION: By seed. [1]
RELATED SPECIES: "There are 7 species of Conradina, all native to the southeastern United States." [2]
More Details
Flowering Calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flower Color
Violet
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Sandy
Tolerances
Drought Tolerant
Spacing
2 feet
Watering
Dry
Sources for acquiring
Sold at some native plant nurseries. [1]
References
[1] fnps.org
[2] Wikipedia
[3] IFAS, University of Florida
[4] Regional Conservation
[6] wildflorida.com
[2] Wikipedia
[3] IFAS, University of Florida
[4] Regional Conservation
[6] wildflorida.com
Last Updated: December 6, 2017