FNPS's Featured Plant Profiles

Blushing Scrub Balm

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

  • Photo by Valerie Anderson, Pine Lily Chapter

Photographs belong to the photographers who allow use for FNPS purposes only.

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Blushing Scrub Balm

Genus species:

Dicerandra modesta

Family:

Lamiaceae

Information

Description:

A bushy perennial forming mounds up to 12" tall, with oblong to oblanceolate leaves which have a distinct minty scent, similar to peppermint. Flowering stalks are topped with cymes sporting clusters of 2-3 (or more) nodding flowers. Corollas are pinkish white sprinkled with deep rosy freckles. As the flowers mature, the pinkish-white corollas age to a deeper pink color - hence the common name "blushing".

Habitat:

Endemic to scrub habitat in Polk County, where it has now been relegated to a single site in Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area, where it occurs in sunny openings with exposed sand.

Conservation

Conservation Issue:

Only one remaining wild population persists and is threatened by invasive species and fire suppression. The population was also bisected by the construction of the right-of-way for the Sabal Trail pipeline and a Duke Energy transmission line, and is now threatened by the proposed Central Polk Parkway East.

Conservation Goals:

1) Restoring the habitat of the only remaining wild population at Lake Marion Creek WMA by invasive species removal and planting native species.

2) Collect annual demographic data of the species to inform land managers of the best management practices for this species.

3) Build relationships with land managers, providing guidance and resources for best land management practices to protect Dicerandra modesta on their property - including invasive plant identification and management.

4) Provide scientifically accurate education on the status and plight of Dicerandra modesta via social media, presentations, and field trips, including the annual Dicerandra Day.

Would you like to help save Florida endangered plants? Let us know and we will contact you when opportunities arise. This work involved being outside and potentially navigating challenging terrain. Our staff is happy to offer training and education to prepare you for your field day.

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