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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Satureja spicigera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. repandra. S. reptans. Hort.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

Leaves - raw or cooked[238]. A peppery flavour, they are used mainly as a flavouring for cooked dishes, especially beans, but are also used as a garnish for salads etc[183]. They have a stronger flavour than summer savory (S. hortensis)[238]. The leaves can be used fresh or dried[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic Antiseptic Aromatic Carminative Digestive Expectorant Stings Stomachic

The whole herb, and especially the flowering shoots, is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, expectorant and stomachic[4, 7, 14, 21]. Taken internally, it is said to be a sovereign remedy for colic and a cure for flatulence[4], whilst it is also used to treat nausea, diarrhoea, bronchial congestion, sore throat and menstrual disorders[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. A sprig of the plant, rubbed onto bee or wasp stings, brings instant relief[4]. The plant is harvested in the summer when in flower and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The essential oil forms an ingredient in lotions for the scalp in cases of incipient baldness[7]. An ointment made from the plant is used externally to relieve arthritic joints[7].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A good companion plant in the garden, growing especially well with onions and beans[201]. The plant is said to inhibit the germination of certain seeds[18]. Secretions from the seeds can prevent the germination of nearby seeds[201]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Dynamic accumulator

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Dynamic accumulator

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant when given suitable conditions, it prefers a well-drained poor stony soil[4, 14, 27, 52] and succeeds in a hot dry sunny position[200]. It prefers an alkaline soil[200], though is not too fussy. It is intolerant of soils that remain damp and dislikes shade[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[200] when grown in suitable conditions, but are less hardy in rich soils or damp conditions[K]. A good bee plant[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - surface sow in April in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination can be slow and erratic[1] but usually takes place within a month[K]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. It is usually possible to plant out into their permanent positions during the summer, but if the plants have not grown sufficiently, or if you live in an area of cold winters, it might be best to grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm taken at a node, July/August in a frame. Pot up in autumn and overwinter in a frame, planting out in late spring or early summer of the following year. A high percentage usually succeed[78]. Cuttings of young wood, preferably with a heel, April/May in a frame[1, 37]. Plant out in the summer if the plants grow well, otherwise overwinter them in a cold frame and plant out in late spring or early summer of the following year[K]. Division in early spring as growth commences[78, 200]. This works best if soil has been mounded up into the bottom 20cm of the plant early in the previous summer[78]. Pot up the divisions and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established. Plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Satureja hortensis	Summer Savory	Annual	0.3	5-9		LM	N	DM	3	2	3
Satureja montana	Winter Savory	Shrub	0.4	6-11	M	LM	N	DM	4	3	4
Satureja thymbra	Thyme-Leaved Savory	Shrub	0.4	6-9		LMH	SN	M	2	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Satureja spicigera - (K.Koch.)Boiss.