Teucrium polium
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Teucrium polium is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
A variable species with a number of sub-species growing in a variety of habitats from sandy places near the sea to mountain ranges.
Europe - Mediterranean to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The plant is mixed with boiled water and sugar to form a refreshing beverage. The plant is used as a spice.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A liquid extract of the plant has been used in the treatment of fungal diseases and abscesses.
Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately good well-drained soil in full sun. Plants require a very well-drained soil. Requires an alkaline soil. A very variable species with a number of distinct sub-species. The bruised foliage releases a pleasant aromatic scent. Plants are sub-shrubs, retaining a woody base but the stems often dying back in the winter. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist