Ironwort
Sideritis syriaca

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Sideritis syriaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Mountain rocks.

S. Europe - E. Mediterranean in Crete.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

An aromatic herbal tea is made from the plant.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a perfectly drained gritty humus-rich soil, preferably slightly alkaline, in full sun. Once established, this is a very drought-tolerant plant, it grows well in a hot dry position. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country. It tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c but is intolerant of winter cold if this is accompanied by wet conditions. The leaves and flowering tops are sold for tea in local markets.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sideritis roeseri. Boiss.&Heldr.