Least basil
Ocimum campechianum
Last reviewed: November 2026
Least basil (Ocimum campechianum) is a perennial forb native to FL. It blooms in June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Least basil, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Least basil (Ocimum campechianum) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, 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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Least basil.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
An aromatic, upright herb with soft, hairy leaves and slender spikes of small white flowers over a long warm-season bloom period. It grows along the edges of shaded hammock habitat and disturbed ground.
Growing Least basil
Grow Least basil in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The abundant small flowers attract native bees and small butterflies through summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Least basil need?
- Least basil grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Least basil bloom?
- Least basil blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Least basil native?
- Least basil (Ocimum campechianum) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Least basil attract?
- Least basil draws bees and 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 Least basil? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.