FORM  herbs and shrubs

Distribution global

Leaves commonly opposite or whorled.

Genera 220 - 40 in the USA    

Species  3000 in our area 152 (Gray); 132 (B&B)⁴³

Flowers usually bilaterally symmetrical, with a two lobed upper lip, or a three lobed lower lip; fruits egg-shaped to round capsules.

#Parts  4-5 lobed calyx, 5-8 lobed corolla, 2-4 or 5 stamens 

Symmetry Bilateral

Leaves simple or pinnate, alternate, opposite or whorled.