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Dracocephalum moldavica - L.

Common Name Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry hills, stony riverbanks and valleys at elevations from 200 - 2,700 metres in western China.
Range E. Europe to E. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Dracocephalum moldavica Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dracocephalum_moldavica_Sturm28.jpg
Dracocephalum moldavica Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bff

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Dracocephalum moldavica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Shoots
Edible Uses: Tea

The lemon-scented leaves are used to make a tea[183]. Young shoots[183]. No further details are given.

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.
Astringent  Carminative  Tonic  Vulnerary

The seeds are astringent, carminative and tonic[240]. They are used as a demulcent in the treatment of fevers[240]. The plant is astringent, tonic and vulnerary[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential

The plant contains an essential oil, this is a possible source of citral[240].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in a fertile well-drained soil[200]. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its essential oil[266]. The plant is very fragrant[200], with both the leaves and the flowers emitting a most refreshing scent of lemons[245]. The flowers remain fragrant and fresh for several weeks[245]. It is a useful plant for filling gaps in the summer border[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ. Pinch back the shoot tips in May in order to encourage bushy growth[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Russian Federation (Primorye), China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng)

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Dracocephalum heterophyllum Perennial0.3 6-9  LMHSNM10 
Dracocephalum parviflorumAmerican DragonheadAnnual/Biennial1.0 6-9  LMHSNM11 

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

200266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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