Crested latesummer mint
Elsholtzia ciliata

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Elsholtzia ciliata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Roadsides, old fields etc in Eastern N. America. Grassy areas in mountains in Korea.

N. Europe. N. America. N. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Finely cut then added to salads or used as a potherb. The leaves can be used as an aromatic condiment for vegetable dishes. The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant contains an essential oil. It is antibacterial, antipyretic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic. Its use is said to relieve the effects of excess alcohol. It is used in the treatment of common colds, fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, oedema and oliguria. The plant has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action. It is harvested when in flower and dried for later use.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Antiviral: Treats virus diseases

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils. Cultivated for ornament in N. and E. Europe.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. cristata. Willd. E. patrinii.