American Dragonhead
Dracocephalum parviflorum

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Dracocephalum parviflorum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry, rocky or gravelly calcareous soils, often in recent clearings.

N. America - Quebec and Ontario to Alaska, New York, Iowa, Missouri and Arizona.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed. No more details. The leaves have been used as a flavouring.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used to treat diarrhoea in children. The leaves are febrifuge and ophthalmic. A cold compound infusion has been used in the treatment of fevers and headaches. Externally, it has been used as an eyewash.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in a fertile well-drained soil. The plant is very fragrant. It is useful for filling gaps in the summer border.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ. Pinch back the shoot tips in May in order to encourage bushy growth.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Moldavica parviflora. (Nutt.)Britton.