Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Cunila

Species:

Cunila origanoides

USDA Symbol:

CUOR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

40 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; historically found in fire-maintained woodlands and barrens.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives on rocky slopes and open woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI