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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Dittany

Cunila origanoides
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Lavender
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Dittany by Mervin Wallace
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size

Height:

12 to
16
inches

Spread:

12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
16
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
16
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Typical Landscape Use
In dry, shaded gardens, for late season interest.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

A small mint plant that is habitually orderly and clean in appearance. By September and October, will be only 12 to 16 inches tall and wide and covered in small heart-shaped leaves and tiny pinkish lavender flowers.

Dittany is one of several native plants that create “frost flowers,” when moisture in the stems freezes in early winter and expands out of the plant as ribbons of frost.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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