Lallemantia iberica

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Lallemantia iberica is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Roadsides, slopes and fallow fields, also as a weed of cultivation, to 2150 metres in Turkey.

W. Asia. Naturalized in C. and E. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves - cooked and used as a potherb. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rich in oil. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The seed contains up to 30% of a drying oil. It is used for lighting, as a varnish, in paints and as a lubricant. It is a linseed substitute. Linseed oil has a very wide range of applications including use as a wood preservative, an ingredient of oil-based paints, furniture polishes, printer's inks, soap making etc. It is also used in the manufacture of linoleum.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a cool situation. Often grown in the ornamental garden. The flowers are very attractive to bees.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April in situ. Very fast germination.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. sulphurea. Dracocephalum ibericum.