Forked Bluecurls
(Trichostema dichotomum)
Forked Bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum)
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Samuel A. Schmid
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Samuel A. Schmid
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Samuel A. Schmid | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Samuel A. Schmid | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-09-24T08:07:11-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Trichostema dichotomum, commonly known as Forked Bluecurls, is an annual herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and fields in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and is characterized by its square, erect, hairy stems and opposite, simple leaves. The plant produces distinctive blue flowers with curled stamens that bloom in late summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Forked Bluecurls is appreciated for its unique flower structure and the ease of growing it from seed, making it a charming addition to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it requires low to medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners often use it for its ornamental value and to support native pollinators. However, it can be short-lived and may need to be reseeded annually to maintain a presence in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Forked Bluecurls is appreciated for its unique flower structure and the ease of growing it from seed, making it a charming addition to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it requires low to medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners often use it for its ornamental value and to support native pollinators. However, it can be short-lived and may need to be reseeded annually to maintain a presence in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and fields in the Eastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Curls , Bastard Pennyroyal
Scientific Names: Trichostema dichotomum , Trichostema dichotomum var. puberulum , Trichostema dichotomum var. dichotomum , Trichostema pilosum
GBIF Accepted Name: Trichostema dichotomum L.