Keiskea japonica

Description

Keiskea japonica

Keiskea japonica, sometimes listed under its synonym Collinsonia japonica, is an uncommon Japanese woodland perennial from the mint family (Lamiaceae), related to salvia. It forms clumps of semi-woody stalks reaching around 60-90cm in height and a similar or greater spread, becoming almost shrub-like with age. The broad, textured mid-green leaves can grow up to 10cm long and release a curious musky scent when brushed or crushed.

From late summer into autumn, upright axillary spikes of small white flowers with prominent long anthers appear, providing valuable late-season interest and proving highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

This plant thrives in bright or light shade with moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, making it ideal for a woodland garden setting. It benefits from some water during summer dry spells and is generally trouble-free, with deer and rabbits tending to avoid it due to its distinctive foliage aroma.