Georgia basil
Clinopodium carolinianum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Georgia basil (Clinopodium carolinianum) is a perennial forb native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and small butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Georgia basil (Clinopodium carolinianum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, small butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A low, aromatic mint-family perennial with small rounded leaves and short spikes of lavender-pink flowers. It forms a compact, well-mannered mat useful along a path edge.
Growing Georgia basil
Grow Georgia basil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The fragrant flowers attract small bees and butterflies, and the aromatic foliage discourages browsing.
Common questions
- How much sun does Georgia basil need?
- Georgia basil grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Georgia basil bloom?
- Georgia basil blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Georgia basil native?
- Georgia basil (Clinopodium carolinianum) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Georgia basil attract?
- Georgia basil draws bees and small butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Georgia basil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.