Carolina Macbridea Macbridea caroliniana Play pronunciation

Carolina birds-in-a-nest is a rare native, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial found in the southeastern United States in blackwater wetlands, ditches, on the edge of savannas, and swamp forests. Unfortunately, though it is native to the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, it is not commonly found. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, with an upright habit and erect, green, 4-sided stems. The leaves are medium green, elliptical to lanceolate, with serrate margins. The flowers are pink or lavender-pink, sometimes with white striping, and appear in clusters at the end of the stems, blooming from July to September. The genus name, Macbridea,  honors James McBride, a botanist and physician. The specific epithet caroliniana means "of the Carolinas" and refers to the plant's native range. 

Carolina birds-in-a-nest does best in full or partial sun with moist to wet, sandy to loamy acidic soils. It is hardy in zones 7 through 9. Best propagated vegetatively via its rhizomes or by seed.

Carolina birds-in-a-nest is listed as imperiled in North Carolina because of its rarity and is considered endangered. Endangered species may not be removed from the wild except when a permit is obtained for research, propagation, or rescue. Wetland destruction has been a major threat to this plant. Other threats include invasive plants and feral hogs. It is reported as extinct in Florida and Alabama.

A beautiful selection for bog gardens and native gardens in moist wet sites. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No known serious insect pests or diseases.