Wood Sage, Wood germander
Teucrium scorodonia
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It is hairy and has underground stems or rhizomes. It grows 50-60 cm high. It spreads 45 cm wide. The leaves are oval or triangle shaped. They are woolly. The flowers are cream or yellow and in loose clusters up to 15 cm long.
Possibly only medicinal. There are about 300 Teucrium species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open woods and rocky places. It can be on sand dunes. It needs a well-drained soil and protected, shady position. It is resistant to drought and frost tender. It suits plant hardiness zone 6-10. Tasmania Herbarium. In Hobart Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Britain, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Morocco (country/location of origin), North Africa, North America, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, USA, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
It is very bitter and is used as a substitute for hops for flavouring ale.
Edible parts
Herb, flavouring
How it is grown
It can be grown by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Germander Sage Leaved, žajbljasti vrednik