Characteristics:
Typically occurring in dry, rocky or open woods clearings slopes and prairies, Cunila origanoides, a member of the mint family, has square wiry stems with many branches. Stalkless leaves are oval, serrated and aromatic. Flowers appear in clusters arising from the leaf axis. They are purplish, two-lipped flowers that have 2 protruding stamens and a pistil. A wild phenomena occurs within this plant often at first frost earning Cunila the name Frost-mint. When the first frost surges through the landscape, watery sap within Cunila is forced out of the stem crack near the base and freezes in 2” ribbon-like forms, known as frost-flowers! (MBG)Culture:Easily grown in average, dry to medium soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers dry, sandy soils. Self-seeds and naturalizes in optimum growing conditions. (MBG)
Etymology:
The Genus name Cunila comes from the latin word Cunela meaning savory likely in reference to its lovely aromatic leaves.
Herbal Uses:
Cunila origanoides has been used as a stimulant and tonic for the nervous system. Indigenous peoples of North America have and likely still do use this plant as an analgesic for headaches, colds, snakebites, febrifuge and as an emmenagogue (Herbsociety).
Sources:
https://herbsocietyorg.presencehost.net/file_download/inline/7811ba7c-53d1-4fc6-8f87-0415db51e8b1
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m250
Cunila origanoides
Common Dittany
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: Perennial herb
Height: 1 - 2 ft
Spread: .75 - 2 ft
Bloom: Lavender, July- September
Water: Medium to dry
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Tolerates: Deer, clay soil, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil
Attracts: Butterflies