Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2926665

Blue Curls

Trichostema dichotomum

Also known as Forked Bluecurls, Bastard Pennyroyal

Forked bluecurls earn their name from distinctive, long stamens that loop outward from tiny blue flowers like delicate wire springs. These summer-to-autumn blooming annuals thrive in dry, nutrient-poor soils across eastern North America, where their sticky, aromatic stems branch repeatedly into dichotomous forks. Bees and other native pollinators frequent the long-tubed blossoms, pressing against the overarching stamens to collect pollen while sipping nectar.

AnnualWildflowerNative
Blue Curls reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Deer
  • Rabbits
  • Herbivorous insects
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive plant competition, and land development
HabitatsDry sandy fields, open pine woods, clearings, and rocky slopes
Life spanAnnual
Classification
  1. FamilyLamiaceae
  2. SpeciesTrichostema dichotomum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing Time: Look for vibrant blooms during late summer and early autumn mornings before petals drop.
  • Identification Cue: Rub the small leaves gently to release a distinctive resinous, spicy aroma.
  • Macro Photography: Focus closely on the long, dramatically curved blue stamens protruding from each blossom.
Related species
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