Scrub Balm
Dicerandra frutescens
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) 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
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Sep, Oct, Nov
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 459 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
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Scrub balm is a compact, aromatic shrub native to scrub habitats. It produces small purple flowers in fall and maintains a neat, rounded form year-round. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sandy soils and requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scrub Balm is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The fall blooms attract native bees and butterflies during a season when few other plants are flowering. The aromatic foliage also provides habitat for beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Scrub Balm need?
- Scrub Balm grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Scrub Balm bloom?
- Scrub Balm blooms in September, October, and November.
- Where is Scrub Balm native?
- Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) is native to FL, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Scrub Balm attract?
- Scrub Balm draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Scrub Balm HOA-friendly?
- Scrub Balm is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Scrub Balm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.