Richweed

Collinsonia canadensis

Also known as: Deepwoods Horsebalm

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Collinsonia
Species:
Collinsonia canadensis
USDA Symbol:
COCA4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Erythroecia hebardi, Papaipema duplicatus, stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), the astute borer (Papaipema astuta), Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens) Moths:Papaipema duplicatus, the astute borer (Papaipema astuta)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, bumblebees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers shaded woodland environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI