This plant belongs to the mint family and is widespread across much of North America. Its square stems and opposite leaves are typical of mint relatives, and its flowers bloom from June to September. Each flower has a broad lower lip that serves as a landing pad for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. The upper lip is nearly absent, but four long stamens arch outward through a slit, giving the flower a distinctive appearance that resembles an orchid when viewed head-on.
Wild germander spreads through rhizomes, forming colonies in suitable habitats. Its root system is fibrous, and the plant can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers moist to medium-moist conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and can grow in full sun or partial shade. While the flowers are visually striking, they lack fragrance. After blooming, each flower produces four small seeds enclosed in a persistent calyx.
Historically, Native Americans used wild germander for medicinal purposes. The leaves were steeped in water to treat skin sores and ulcers, and teas were made for various ailments. However, modern herbal use has declined due to concerns about liver toxicity associated with certain compounds found in the plant. Despite this, it remains an important species for pollinators and is often included in native plant gardens and restoration projects.