Clinopodium Species, Scarlet Calamint, Red Savory, Red Mint Shrub, Scarlet Balm

Grew up in the 32578 area code (Niceville/Bluewater/Seminole). This plant used to be extremely abundant, along every roadside, trail, and...Read More in every coastal oak grove/pine/scrub land area on the northern side of the Choctowatchee Bay. It seems to have dwindled a bit in this specific area...urban encroachment/overuse of herbicides/loss of habitat likely has a huge factor to play in this. It favors the sunny areas at the base of oak and long leaf pine trees (morning and evening sun is it's favorite, but I've seen it thrive in full sun, with a "wetter" soil below but still very sandy on top). I never knew the flowers were edible but absolutely loved to pluck the petals from the base. This leaves you with a huge (in relative terms), super sweet, fragrant, ball of nectar that is an absolute treat on a hot summer day. From my experience, the more fragrant the flower, the better the nectar (learned this from watching snouts, monarchs, and red-spotted purples as a kid). A steamy morning or afternoon after a spring or summer rain is key for the best of the best nectar. If the butterflies are out, so should you be :) A colloquialism in this little area is "red honeysuckles" because of their beautiful smell that carries on the wind and sweet nectar that attracts butterflies...and adventurous eaters who are in the know :) I actually just learned their true name today, after 27 years of life.

This grows abundantly wild in my property in Holt Florida. The soil is sandy on top. These grow in yellow as well. They grow in amongst t...Read Morehe scraggly under foliage of large oaks, pine, blueberry, ecetra. Some call It Scarlet wild basil. Fully blooms now. The hot early to mid September. Loved by butterflies of all kinds. More of these mean more butterflies and I have a lot of both.

This beautiful bright orange perenial is native to my area here on the Florida Gulf Coast. Another Common Name is 'Red Savory". The ora...Read Morenge flowers bloom late spring through early winter. The hummingbirds and butterflies are very attracted to the blooms. It grows in the driest areas and did not lose any of its bright color, even during drought conditions. I have found this to be an extraordinary plant.
Pam