Lucas Land
Blue Curls
Trichostema dichotomum
see also
A member of the mint family, this small plant produces a remarkably strong peppermint-like aroma when the leaves are crushed. The essence, however, is not maintained following drying the leaves and the flowers. It can be added to potpourri where its aroma will last for a few days. The blue flowers are only about 1/2 inch long, but the stamens curl out of the top for another half-inch. The leaves are lance-shaped and the entire plant is covered with delicate hairs. This is a plant of late summer and fall preferring dry sandy soils. It will grow to a height of 18 inches.