P h o t o b y K S N P C S t a f f
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Habitat:
Cobble bars in large streams in full sun and along sandy riverbanks.
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Species Description:
Plant a low (<5 dm tall), aromatic, perennial evergreen shrub, forming clumps or mats of sprawling branches which root at the nodes. Leaves needle-like, borne in fascicles, making them appear to be whorled; 1-2.5 cm long, with a strong rosemary-like scent. Flowers blooming in May or early June. Corolla tubular and 2-lipped, pinkish-lavender to purple, rarely white, having darker purple dots lining the throat of the corolla-tube; 2-2.5 cm long. Calyx tubular, notably ribbed, about 1 cm. with long hairs. Fruit are smooth, dark brown, tiny, nearly globe-shaped nutlets, four grouped together, nested in the base of the calyx.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early May to late June.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
When in flower, the relatively large, 2-lipped flowers with dots on the corolla tube throat are unmistakable. Its foliage is distinctive at any time with its rosemary-like fragrance, its needle-shaped leaves with pale undersides, and its decumbent lower stem-branches rooting in the sand of its riverside habitat.
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Management:
Disturbance of surrounding areas such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Avoid changes in moisture/hydrologic conditions at the site. Changes could result from overstory removal, stream/wetland alteration or impacts due to erosion.
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Global Range:
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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