Ascending branches from a creeping stem with 3-7 small, blue-violet flowers whorled in axils of scalloped leaves.

1/2-3/4" long; corolla 2 lipped, lower lip 3-lobed; stamens 4, not or only slightly protruding.

Blade 1/2 -1 1/2" long, roundish, wavy-edged, opposite.

None

Creeper; branches to 8", stems to 7' long.

March-July.

Moist, shaded or sunny areas, roadsides, and lawns.

This European introduction is considered a weed by some since it roots readily at the nodes and spreads rapidly. "Gill" in the common name comes from the French guiller ("to ferment") because the leaves were once used to help ferment, or flavor, beer. This species is sometimes placed within the catnip genus (Nepeta) but differs in having the flowers in the axils of the leaves rather than at the ends of the stems and branches.