Hi,

Could anyone tell me what this might be? Family or genus is ok....I just need some direction!

Found growing on edge of woodland, western NC mtns. Opposite leaf arrangement, flowers lavender, in "clumps/groups", branching from leaf axils. Flowering now, late Aug/early Sept, plant is clumping, multi-stemmed and has fairly low profile. Leaves have toothed margins.

Any guesses would be appreciated! Thank-you :)

No guesses ?

I got all excited because I thought someone had come up with an ID. But....

Here is my one and only idea: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).

I think it's American Dittany (Cunila origanoides)
http://www.carolinanature.com/...

Cute plant!

I agree, Cunila origanoides, also commonly called Frost Mint and Stone Mint:
https://www.herbsociety.org/he...
http://vascularflora.appstate....

It works like a charm everytime. I make a guess and someone immediately comes up with the right answer.

DaisyI said:It works like a charm everytime. I make a guess and someone immediately comes up with the right answer.

Daisy, I think your statement fits me more than you because you are quite often right on when it comes to plant identification!

HA! You guys are A-MAZING!!!! Thank-you!

Daisy: you are a catalyst! You opened the doors!

Danita and Lin: That's it! Now why was that plant not listed in any of the (many) books that I have for plant ID in the Mid Atlantic/South? I guess it's not a big fancy orchid! So a question for you both.....have you seen this plant before and that's how you knew it or did you use a key and if so...which? Most of my unknowns remain unknowns because they are like dittany in that they are not particularly showy or popular so what other resources am I missing?

Thanks!

Maybe because it is a herb? Because I looked for you in two decent resources ..one by one by one.. ...in woodland plants / mountain NC.. And it was not there but I saw many interesting!

Hi Rosie and thanks so much for looking! I went back and looked at my field guides...it was actually there but the pics really didn't show the "form" of the plant...they showed either flowers from a distance or 1 stem....so I would never have id'd it from the pics. I thought about mint but discounted it because I am only familiar w/mountain mints! Anyway, it is an awesome plant and I hope to propagate it....apparently deer won't touch it

THATS WHAT I thought about plumbago!
And veronica. !!

They have been " not touching " with regard to actually eating..but they have been pulling up and discarding!!


I think something in the environment is making them crazy!

I saw one photo of it in the 'frost' state. Pretty