When does American Germander bloom?

American Germander blooms from June through August, producing spikes of small pink to purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators.

What pollinators visit Teucrium canadense?

American Germander attracts bees, butterflies, and wasps with its summer blooms, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.

Where is American Germander native?

Teucrium canadense is native to most of the United States, found naturally in 39 states from coast to coast, excluding only a handful of western and southeastern states.

What growing conditions does American Germander prefer?

This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.

Is American Germander toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Germander as toxic to livestock.

Is American Germander HOA-friendly?

American Germander is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

American Germander

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Teucrium canadense

Last reviewed: June 2026

Teucrium canadense (American Germander) is a native perennial forb blooming pink to purple flowers from June through August across most of the United States. This adaptable plant attracts bees, butterflies, and wasps while tolerating various light and moisture conditions.

American Germander (Teucrium canadense) — Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Germander as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, wasps

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

American germander is a native perennial that forms neat clumps of serrated green foliage. It produces spikes of small pink to purple flowers from June through August, creating a tidy, herbaceous border plant.

Growing American Germander

Grow American Germander in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Germander is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May spread slowly by underground stems

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. Its extended flowering period provides consistent nectar sources during peak growing season.

Common questions

When does American Germander bloom?: American Germander blooms from June through August, producing spikes of small pink to purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
What pollinators visit Teucrium canadense?: American Germander attracts bees, butterflies, and wasps with its summer blooms, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Where is American Germander native?: Teucrium canadense is native to most of the United States, found naturally in 39 states from coast to coast, excluding only a handful of western and southeastern states.
What growing conditions does American Germander prefer?: This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
Is American Germander toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Germander as toxic to livestock.
Is American Germander HOA-friendly?: American Germander is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Germander? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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