Titusville balm

Pictured above: Titusville balm (Dicerandra thinicola) by Adam Arendell (CC BY-NC 2.0). Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.

Titusville balm is a state-listed endangered wildflower endemic to Brevard County where it is restricted to an approximately 30-mile range. It blooms from October through December, attracting mostly small to medium-size bees.

Titusville balm flowers are small (about 3/8” long), two-lipped and bright pink with dark pink stripes and/or spots. They are borne in whorls along terminal spikes.  Filament, stigma and style are elongated and may be dark or bright pink. Pistils are bright pink and elongated. Leaves are linear, arranged in whorls and emit a minty aroma when crushed. Stems are woody, square and branched.

Although the plants are small, Titusville balm is a prolific bloomer and seeder, especially when exposed to fire. Individual plants typically live only three years, but the abundance of seeds helps ensure the species’ continuance.

Because of its height, Titusville balm is considered suffrutescent, or a subshrub.

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Native range: Brevard County
To see where natural populations of Titusville balm have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu.
Soil: Dry, well-drained sandy soils
Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: 12–24”+ tall
Garden tips: Titusville balm is not propagated commercially. Visit Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary in Titusville to see it in its natural habitat.