Wall Germander, Ground oak
Teucrium chamaedrys
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
It is a hardy herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-60 cm high and has underground stems or rhizomes. The leaves are bright green and wrinkled and glossy. They are oval and have teeth around the edge. The leaves are about 2 cm long. The flowers are pink, purple or red. These are in spikes at the top of the plant as well as in the axils of leaves.
Possibly only medicinal. There are about 250-300 Teucrium species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits plant hardiness zones 5-10. In Hobart Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Greece (country/location of origin), Iran, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The flowering tops are used to get an extract to colour bitter wines and vermouth. They are also used as a herbal tea.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Herb, flowers - drink, leaves, stems, tea
How it is grown
It is grown from cuttings taken in mid summer.
Its other names
Local names
Camedro, Kisamahmut, Navadni vrednik