Forked Blue Curls (Trichostema dichotomum): Delicate, Blue-Flowered Annual for Dry, Sandy Sites

Overview

Forked blue curls (Trichostema dichotomum), also called bluecurls, is a dainty annual native to dry, sandy fields and open woods of eastern North America. It grows 1-2 feet tall with narrow, aromatic leaves and distinctive, forked stems bearing clusters of small, tubular, blue flowers with long, curved stamens in late summer.

Botanical Details

• Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
• Genus: Trichostema
• Species: dichotomum
• Synonyms: Trichostema pilosum, T. suffrutescens

Culture & Uses

Full sun, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. Drought-tolerant. Self-sows readily in open soil. Excellent for rock gardens, sandy meadows, naturalized areas. Flowers attract native bees. Aromatic foliage. Low maintenance. Annual; allow seed set for persistence.