This naturalized perennial, up to 4 feet tall, was introduced from Europe. The deep lavender flowers are clustered around the axils of opposite leaves on a square stem (B). The distinctive leaves usually have 3 lobes which attach to the stem on long stalks, each at right angles from the next pair on the stem (A). The flowers are quite hairy and they are surrounded by sharp spines. It lacks the odor of most of the other mints. Identified by the hairy, spiny, dark lavender flowers and distinctively lobed leaves.
Found in moist places and along roadsides, flowering from May through August. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon, for instance along Marsh Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon along the MRE Trail near the Missouri River.
Herbalists have used this plant not only as a stimulant for the heart, as the scientific name implies, but also for menstrual disorders. Considered a weed in Nebraska.
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