As its name may suggest, Wild Basil has incredibly aromatic leaves and can even be grown for culinary use. When dried, the leaves can be used as a seasoning, though they are milder than commercial basil and other members of the mint family. The rose-purple flowers grow in dense round clusters at the top of the hairy stems and also in smaller groups just below from June through September. Wild Basil is very adaptable and, like most mints, spreads easily, so pot it up in a container and add it to your herb garden.
Conditions: Full sun to shade; medium to dry soils
Size: 1.5’-2’ tall; 2’-2.5’ spread
Zone: 3 - 7
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract native bees, honeybees and small butterflies
Photo: David Korbonits