Georgia calamint from Diane P., SC

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Hi, Dr. Hill,
This plant was photographed (two years ago) on September 23 along a rural road in the Piedmont, full sun. I saw it again last year and expect it will be blooming right about now. I hope you can tell me what it is. Thank you.
Diane

Hi Diane,

this is an attractive plant with a complex nomenclatural history. It has been called Satureja georgiana, Clinopodium georgianum, and Calamintha georgiana. The USDA calls it Clinopodium georgianum, with a common name of Georgia calamint. However, there are other common names that are used, including Georgia savory basil, and Georgia basil. It is in the mint family, as is basil, but it is not a true basil, which is the genus Ocimum. It likes hot dry areas and I remember it was quite common at Peachtree Rock.

Sincerely,

Steven Hill, Ph.D. Botanist SCNPS

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