Teucrium polium - L.

Common Name

Family

Lamiaceae

USDA hardiness

6-9

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

A variable species with a number of sub-species growing in a variety of habitats from sandy places near the sea to mountain ranges.

Range

Europe - Mediterranean to W. Asia.

Edibility Rating

(1 of 5)

Other Uses

(0 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(1 of 5)

Care (info)


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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea

The plant is mixed with boiled water and sugar to form a refreshing beverage[183]. The plant is used as a spice[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.
Antifungal Hypoglycaemic

A liquid extract of the plant has been used in the treatment of fungal diseases and abscesses[240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any moderately good well-drained soil in full sun[200]. Plants require a very well-drained soil[188]. Requires an alkaline soil[200]. A very variable species with a number of distinct sub-species. The bruised foliage releases a pleasant aromatic scent[245]. Plants are sub-shrubs, retaining a woody base but the stems often dying back in the winter[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[113]. 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[1]. 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[113].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan EUROPE: Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Algeria (north), Morocco, Tunisia

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 :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Teucrium canadense	American Germander, Canada germander, Western germander	Perennial	1.0	4-8		LMH	SN	M	0	1	0
Teucrium chamaedrys	Wall Germander, Germander	Shrub	0.3	5-9	S	LMH	SN	DM	1	2	3
Teucrium marum	Cat Thyme	Shrub	0.3	8-11		LMH	N	DM	0	2
Teucrium massiliense		Shrub	1.0	5-9		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Teucrium scordium	Water Germander	Perennial	0.6	-		LMH	SN	M	0	1	1
Teucrium scorodonia	Wood Sage	Perennial	0.3	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	1	2

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.

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Expert comment

Author

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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

Readers comment


Vassilios Papadopoulos	Wed May 7 2008

Dear Sirs, Consumption of Teucrium polium has been reported to cause acute cholestatic hepatits. There are at least 11 cases until now in Greece (see Savvidou et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;19:511). Therefore, the Greek National Organization for Drugs (EOF) has issued a report concerning limited safety. Yours Sincerely, Vassilios Papadopoulos, MD, PhD Lecturer in Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece [email protected]