Species Overview

Native to: Asia

Introduced to Florida through horticulture and reported outside of cultivation as early as the 1970s. Although vouchered in 22 counties throughout the state, in most cases it is single or only a few occurrences. It was previously listed as a CAT II plant by the Florida Invasive Species Council but was subsequently removed from the list.

Species Characteristics

Family: Lamiaceae

Habit: Deciduous shrub up to 4 feet tall

Leaves: Ovoid to heart-shaped leaves (to 30 cm long) have toothed edges and are dark green above and fuzzy bronze-green beneath. They have an unpleasant odor when crushed.

Flowers: Rosy red or pink flowers, up to 18 mm wide, fragrant, in loose clusters up to 20 cm across.

Fruit/seeds: A dark blue berry.

Distribution in Florida: Scattered.

Impacts

Can spread rapidly by underground shoots forming dense stands. Birds consume and disperse seed as well. The main complaint about this species is that it can become a nuisance in the garden. No other environmental or economic impacts have been documented at this time.

It is recommended to plant in containers to prevent it from spreading via root suckers.

Hand pull removing all root fragments.

None known.

Consult your local UF IFAS Extension Office for management recommendations.