Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare), is an herbaceous perennial, and member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. True Basil is also part of the Lamiaceae family. Being in that family, it has a square stem like so many mint plants that I have growing in my gardens.

Flowers, 1/2 inch long are formed together in fuzzy clumps. Fuzzy because of woolly bracts that surround each of the flowers. Each clump, which generally has about 30 flowers, only has a few flowers blooming at a time.

Milder than its relative, true Basil, Wild Basil has a lovely, though faint fragrance and can be eaten in moderation. The leaves are opposite, covered in fine hairs and have short petioles. The plant’s stems are also covered in fine hairs.

Here, a fuzzy seedhead.

Wild Basil is native to northeastern United States. Bloom time is July and August. Right now!