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Collinsonia canadensis (Citronella horsebalm)
Bruso, George H.

Collinsonia canadensis L.

Citronella horsebalm, Richweed, Stoneroot

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

USDA Symbol: coca4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A coarse perennial, up to 5 ft. tall, with large, oval, toothed leaves to the top of the stalk, and long, branched, terminal spikes of small, yellow flowers which stand above the leaves. The lower lip of each flower is fringed and extends beyond the upper lip. These flowers have a distinct lemony odor.

This tall wildflower is typical of moist woodlands. Its foliage as well as its flowers have a citronella-like odor. Tea can be brewed from the leaves, and the rhizome was formerly used as a diuretic, tonic, and astringent.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: FL to MO, n. to NH, Ont. & c. IL
Native Habitat: Moist, rich, rocky woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Easy to care for and pest free. Benefits from wintercover. Foliage is sensitive to frost.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Collinsonia canadensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Collinsonia canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Collinsonia canadensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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