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teucrium polium - L.

Common Name
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
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 No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
teucrium polium


http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net/
teucrium polium
http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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

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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

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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

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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

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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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Teucrium canadenseAmerican Germander, Canada germander, Western germanderPerennial1.0 4-8  LMHSNM010
Teucrium chamaedrysWall Germander, GermanderShrub0.3 5-9 SLMHSNDM123
Teucrium marumCat ThymeShrub0.3 8-11  LMHNDM02 
Teucrium massiliense Shrub1.0 5-9  LMHNDM10 
Teucrium polium Shrub0.2 6-9  LMHNDM11 
Teucrium scordiumWater GermanderPerennial0.6 -  LMHSNM011
Teucrium scorodoniaWood SagePerennial0.3 5-9  LMHSNDM12 

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

L.

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]

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