Family: Lamiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 598 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Trichostema
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada, C. & E. U.S.A. to Arizona
Description
False pennyroyal (Trichostema brachiatum) is an intriguing species that belongs to the diverse Lamiaceae family. First described by the notable botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this plant holds a unique place in North America’s flora.
The distribution of False pennyroyal spans a significant range, extending from the southeastern regions of Canada, across central and eastern regions of the United States, and reaching as far south as Arizona. This wide geographic distribution attests to its adaptability and resilience in various climates and terrains.
False pennyroyal, despite its common name suggesting a resemblance to true pennyroyal, possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart. The plant is renowned for its aromatic properties and has historically drawn interest for its potential medicinal applications, similar to many members of the Lamiaceae family. It typically thrives in habitats that vary from woodlands to grasslands, showcasing its versatility.
For anyone interested in North American native plants, Trichostema brachiatum offers a fascinating study in biodiversity, adaptation, and botanical history. Its presence across a broad swath of the continent highlights not only its ecological importance but also its role in the rich tapestry of plant life that populates these diverse regions.
Common Names
Eng: false pennyroyal, fluxweed, bluecurls, branched bluecurls
Fra: trichostème à sépales égaux, isanthe court
En: False pennyroyal, Fluxweed, Bluecurls, Branched bluecurls
Fr: Trichostème à sépales égaux, Isanthe court
Synonyms
- Isanthus brachiatus ((L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.)
- Isanthus brachiatus var. linearis (Fassett)
- Isanthus coeruleus (Michx.)
- Isanthus multiflorus (Raf.)
- Isanthus pubescens (Raf.)
- Isanthus pumilus (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Adèle Leblanc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2005 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2005 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927171)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:461848-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichostema brachiatum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb