Condea emoryi
Desert Lavender
Family: Lamiaceae
A silvery, aromatic, evergreen, upright shrub growing about 10 feet tall by 8 feet wide, though it often gets nipped back by winter temperatures. Temperatures at about 25 or lower will cause some foliar damage but the plants grow back quickly. Thus in many locations it may be much smaller. Small purple flowers in tight clusters occur in warm weather.
Full sun is always best. Provide moderate to low water when plants are established, and good soil draiage is important for this species that is native to rocky, aerated soils. This species is generally hardy into the low 20s, maybe even high teens if the base of the plant is protected, and will grow back from the roots.
Flowers draw many nectar-seeking insects, especially bees and the smaller species of butterflies. Hummingbirds also visit the flowers. Larval host for the gray hairstreak butterfly (Strymon melinus). Formerly known as Hyptis emoryi.
The stem tips are collected together in bundles for aromatics, especially for use in clothing drawers to repel moths. The foliage is made into a ground spice. The foliage is made into a pleasant tea that is also used medicinally. It is a great plant for beekeepers, and makes good-tasting honey.
The etymology of the genus name Condea is murky. It has been suggested that the name may refer to Louis II, Prince de Condé (1621-1686), aka Louis de Bourbon, French general. The species “emoryi” is named for Major William Hemsley Emory (1812-1887), an army careerist who participated in the genocidal removal of the Creek Indians from Georgia, directed the Mexican Boundary Survey, and fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War.
Found in desert washes and on hillsides from 500-4,000 ft. in Arizona, California, Nevada, and northwestern Mexico.