Sweet Stem (Aloysia macrostachya)

Flowers and foliage of Sweet Stem (Aloysia macrostachya). Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Sweet Stem, Wooly Bee-brush
• Common Spanish Names: Vara Dulce, Cabradora, Cimarrona, Angelitos
• Scientific Name: Aloysia macrostachya (al-LOY-see-uh mac-crow-STAKE-ee-uh)
• Family: Verbenaceae (Vervain Family)
• Geographic Range: South Texas and northern Mexico.
• Plant Form: Shrub, 3' W x 6' H.
• Remarks: Numerous slender, erect, and brittle stems, young tips and ovate leaves wooly hairy. Spikes of small pink, reddish to lavender flowers from spring to fall. Aromatic foliage. Low to medium water, full sun to part shade, well draining soils, and marginal cold hardiness.

Last Update: 31 Mar 2006.