Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Image of Teucrium canadense
Source: Gilles Ayotte

Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
Teucrium canadense
Canada Germander
Germandrée du Canada

Synonyms

American germander
creeping germander
hairy germander
head betony
wild germander

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Pink Bloom Period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 3.0 feet
Max Width: 2.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
wetland garden Suitable for wetland garden
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
container suitable Suitable for container garden
school garden Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits: No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Canada Germander has upright stems, soft green leaves, and elegant spikes of pale pink to lavender flowers that bloom in mid‑ to late summer. The blossoms are two‑lipped and delicately patterned, attracting a wide range of pollinators. Canada Germander forms colonies over time and brings height, texture, and movement to meadows, wet edges, and naturalized plantings.

Canada Germander tolerates periodic flooding, though it will also grow in average garden soil if moisture is consistent. It produces its tallest and most abundant flower spikes in brighter locations. Blooming from mid‑summer into early fall, its foliage stays attractive until frost. Regular watering during the first season and a layer of mulch help maintain soil moisture and support strong establishment. In small gardens, consider root barriers or pair with equally robust neighbours. Ideal for naturalized or restoration settings where its spreading habit is an asset.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Teucrium canadense
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Teucrium canadense

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Teucrium canadense

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
  • Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)
  • Lamium (Dead nettle)
  • Lupinus (Non-Native Lupins)
  • Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
  • Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
  • Delphinium (Delphinium)
  • Iris (Iris Cultivars)
  • Hyacinthus (Non-Native Hyacynth)
  • Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-not)
  • Astilbe (Astilbe)
  • Melilotus albus (Sweet White Clover)
  • Lavandula (Lavender)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are brown and slightly open
  • Harvesting:
    • Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested.