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Brundage, Stephanie

Collinsonia canadensis

Collinsonia canadensis L.

Richweed, Stoneroot, Citronella Horsebalm

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: COCA4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

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

15 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Fruit: Nutlets.

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

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.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FAC				FAC			FAC	FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Web Reference

Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic Botany
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

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: 2022-12-09
Research By: TWC Staff

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