Carolina Birds-in-a-nest (Macbridea caroliniana)Mint Family Carolina Birds-in-a-Nest is a rare native wildflower in the mint family. This species is primarily found along the coastal plain of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, thriving in moist to wet habitats such as swamps, bogs, and wet meadows. Despite its preference for consistently damp conditions, it can adapt to moderately moist garden soils. The plant remains relatively low-growing, with foliage reaching about 8” until the flowering stalks emerge in early summer. At maturity, slender stems rise to about 2’, crowned with pink flowers. The flowers are often arranged in a circular pattern, resembling baby birds in a nest eagerly awaiting food—a trait that gives the species its name. Blooms: Pink, 3-4 wks, June-AugLeaves: Opposite, narrow leaves continue up the stem, evergreen basal leavesHeight: 1-2’ Space: 1-2'Soil: Moist-WetExposure: Full sun-Part sunFauna: Bumblebees, skippersSeeds: Round, brown seeds, unremarkableDeer Resistance: HighZone: 6-9?Native Status: NC native, rare in the Coastal PlainProvenance: GA, seed grown
