WILDFLOWERS OF NEW MEXICO

One of the first bloomers in the year, but one of the least conspicuous, this 2–14-inch tall native of Europe has colonized lawns across the nation. Look for the rounded leaves and whorled clusters of small, blue flowers. Like all mints, the stem is square.

FLOWER: Year round. Pink to purple tubular flowers, 1/2-inch long (12 mm), have 2 lips with the upper hood-like and the lower with 3 spotted lobes. Flowers bloom on the stem tips and leaf axils in whorled clusters.

LEAVES: Opposite. Blades rounded, 1/2–1 1/2-inches long (12–38 mm), a crinkly surface with conspicuous veins, and scalloped margins with rounded teeth. Upper leaves are stemless (sessile) and clasp the stem.

HABITAT: Lawns, fields, roadsides, disturbed areas.

ELEVATION: 4,000–6,000 feet.

RANGE: Widespread across the U. S.

SIMILAR SPECIES: The square stems, rounded, clasping leaves, and tubular flowers make this lawn weed distinctive.

NM COUNTIES: Possible at low- to mid-elevations in lawns and landscapes in throughout NM: Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant,  Luna, Otero, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, Santa Fe.