Family: Lamiaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 35 (1818)
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dracocephalum
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America
Description
American dragonhead, scientifically known as Dracocephalum parviflorum, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. This species is part of the Lamiaceae family, which is commonly recognized for its aromatic members often used in culinary and medicinal applications.
The plant typically features square stems, characteristic of the mint family to which it belongs, and grows to a modest height adorned with opposite leaves that are finely serrated. The foliage emits a subtle fragrance when crushed, adding to the sensory appeal of the plant.
Blooming from early to mid-summer, American dragonhead produces small, tubular flowers that are lavender to blue in color, each complemented by a white center. These delicate blossoms are gathered in dense, terminal spikes that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, aiding in the biodiversity of their natural habitats.
Historically referenced in Nathaniel Nuttall’s Genera of North American Plants (1818), this species has been observed throughout various regions of North America. The plant thrives in a variety of environments, ranging from moist meadows to dry, rocky hillsides, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.
In the wild, American dragonhead contributes to the stability of its ecosystem, often forming part of the understory flora in woodlands and providing ground cover that helps minimize soil erosion. Its value extends beyond ornamental purposes, as it is occasionally utilized in habitat restoration projects to reestablish native plant communities.
American dragonhead represents a fine example of North America’s botanical diversity, its modest beauty and ecological significance ensuring its place within the ranks of notable native flora.
Common Names
Eng: american dragonhead, dragonhead, american dragon-head, dragonhead mint, small-flowered dragonhead
Fra: dracocéphale d’amérique, tête-de-dragon d’amérique, dracocéphale parviflore
Deu: kleinblütiger drachenkopf
Dan: storbægret dragehoved
Swe: amerikansk drakblomma
En: American dragonhead, Dragonhead, Small-flowered dragonhead, American Dragon-head, Dragonhead mint
Da: Storbægret dragehoved
Fi: Amerikanampiaisyrtti
Fr: Dracocéphale à petite fleur, Dracocéphale parviflore, Dracocéphale d’Amérique, Tête-de-dragon d’Amérique
De: Kleinblütiger Drachenkopf
Sv: Amerikansk drakblomma
Synonyms
- Ruyschiana parviflora ((Nutt.) House)
- Dracocephalum parviflorum var. chelonicum (Lunell)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
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)
Fruit
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Amber LeBlanc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Amber LeBlanc (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Amber LeBlanc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Laureen Kosheiff (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Laureen Kosheiff (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)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (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)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927220)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:446484-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dracocephalum parviflorum Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb