Northern horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis, Sp. Pl.: 28 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 28 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Collinsonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Ontario to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Northern horsebalm, scientifically known as Collinsonia canadensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Discovered and cataloged by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, it was first detailed in his landmark publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

This plant is native to regions spanning from Southern Ontario to North Carolina, as well as the eastern parts of the United States. Collinsonia canadensis thrives in rich, wooded environments where it can grow and flourish under the canopy of deciduous forests. It is typically found in moist, well-drained soils, often gracing the understory of these vibrant ecosystems.

Northern horsebalm is distinguished by its tall, sturdy stems, large opposite leaves, and clusters of delicate yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to early autumn. The foliage of the plant emits a strong, lemony fragrance when crushed, a characteristic trait of many members of the mint family to which it belongs.

The plant has been historically valued for its medicinal properties. In traditional herbal medicine, various parts of the plant have been used to treat an array of ailments, ranging from digestive issues to respiratory problems. The essential oils derived from Collinsonia canadensis are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it a versatile component in natural remedies.

Beyond its medicinal uses, Northern horsebalm also plays an essential role in its native habitats. It provides nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local biodiversity. Its presence in the forest understory contributes to the ecological balance, aiding in the growth and health of other plant species within its community.

In summary, Northern horsebalm is a noteworthy plant both for its ecological significance and its historical use in traditional medicine. Its resilience and adaptability make it a prominent feature of the diverse flora in the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: northern horsebalm, richweed, stoneroot, canada horsebalm, citronella horse balm, horsebalm
Swe: hästmynta
Fra: collinsonie du canada
En: Northern horsebalm, Stoneroot, Richweed, Canada horsebalm, Citronella horse balm, Horsebalm
Ar: كولنسونية كندية
Fr: Collinsonie du Canada
Sv: Hästmynta

Synonyms

• Collinsonia scabra (Pers.)
• Collinsonia urticifolia (Salisb.)
• Collinsonia tuberosa (Michx.)
• Pleuradenia praecox ((Walter) Raf.)
• Collinsonia scabriuscula (Aiton)
• Collinsonia canadensis var. tuberosa ((Michx.) Alph.Wood)
• Pleuradenia scabra (Raf.)
• Collinsonia decussata (Moench)
• Collinsonia ovalis (Pursh)
• Collinsonia angustifolia (Raf.)
• Collinsonia cuneata (Wender.)
• Collinsonia praecox (Walter)
• Collinsonia canadensis var. ovata (Pursh)
• Collinsonia scabriuscula var. puberula (Benth.)
• Collinsonia canadensis var. cordata (Pursh)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Jeanna Barnes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Jon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Kenneth Lyons (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 26, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − Dave Behm (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 24, 2015 by EOL − Ann Walter-Fromson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Tarun Tarun Senthil (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 26, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2014 by EOL − Katherine Boyle (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 19, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 25, 2012 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by max (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926628)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319148-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Collinsonia canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth