Hedge-hyssop (Gratiola officinalis, Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gratiola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to N. Xinjiang and N. Iran, Morocco

Description

Hedge-hyssop, known scientifically as Gratiola officinalis, is a notable plant species belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. First described in the mid-18th century, its reference dates back to the seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” authored by the illustrious botanist Carl Linnaeus, also known as L.

This herbaceous plant exhibits a unique distribution, flourishing across diverse regions from Europe to Northern Xinjiang, stretching down to Northern Iran, and even extending into Morocco. This widespread presence reflects its adaptability to various climates and environments.

Gratiola officinalis typically thrives in moist, marshy conditions, often found along the edges of streams, ponds, and wetlands. It’s a perennial plant that can grow up to 60 centimeters in height, characterized by its slender, erect stems and lance-shaped leaves, which are arranged oppositely along the stem. The leaves are typically bright green, adding a vibrant touch of color to its natural habitat.

One of the most distinguishing features of Hedge-hyssop is its small, delicate flowers. These blossoms are usually white or pale yellow with a subtle yet intricate structure, appearing in the leaf axils during the blooming season, which spans from late spring to the end of summer. The flowers enhance the plant’s aesthetic appeal, making it a subtle yet beautiful part of the wetland ecosystem.

In historical and traditional contexts, Gratiola officinalis has been noted for its medicinal properties. Historical texts suggest that various parts of the plant were used in traditional medicine for their purported therapeutic benefits. However, it is essential to approach any medicinal use with caution and seek professional advice, as the plant contains potent compounds.

As a member of the Plantaginaceae family, Hedge-hyssop shares certain botanical traits with other family members, which often include herbaceous plants that are significant both in ecological and horticultural aspects. Its role in native ecosystems is vital, contributing to biodiversity and supporting various forms of wildlife.

In summary, Gratiola officinalis, or Hedge-hyssop, stands out not only for its botanical and aesthetic qualities but also for its historical significance in traditional medicine and its adaptability across a wide geographic range. This fascinating plant encapsulates the intricate beauty and complexity found within the natural world.

Common Names

Deu: gnadenkraut, gottes-gnadenkraut
Fra: gratiole officinale, gratiole
Dan: læge-nådesurt
Lav: arstniecibas rugtene
Nld: genadekruid
Eng: gratiola, gratiole, hedge-hyssop, hedgehyssop
Swe: jordgalla
Ita: graziella
En: Hedge-hyssop, Gratiola, Gratiole, Hedgehyssop, Hedge Hyssop
Ar: غراتيولا مخزنية
Hy: Շնորհախոտ դեղագործական
Eu: Alarda
Be: Аўран лекавы
Bg: Лечебна сиротица
Ca: Herba del pobre home, Gracíola
Ce: Байса
Zh: 新疆水八角
Hr: Ljekovita milica
Cs: Konitrud lékařský
Da: Læge-Nådesurt
Nl: Genadekruid
Et: Mürgine ohulill
Fi: Rohtokuntio
Fr: Gratiole Officinale, Gratiole, Herbe au pauvre homme
De: Gnadenkraut, Gottes-Gnadenkraut, Gottesgnadenkraut
Hu: Csikorgófű
It: Graziella, Stanca-cavalli
Kk: Бұзартүзер
Lv: Arstniecibas rugtene
Lt: Vaistinė raitinytė
Os: Гогызыуидаг
Fa: زیباساز
Pl: Konitrut błotny
Ru: Авран лекарственный
Sr: Прољевак
Sk: Graciola lekárska
Sv: Jordgalla
Tt: Дару аураны
Zh-hant: 新疆水八角
Uk: Авран лікарський

Synonyms

• Gratiola linifolia var. lusitanica (Amo)
• Gratiola linifolia var. broteri ((Nyman))
• Gratiola officinalis f. meonantha ((Samp.) Cout.)
• Gratiola officinalis var. catalaunica (Sennen & Pau)
• Gratiola officinalis var. angustifolia (Lange)
• Gratiola officinalis subsp. broteri (Nyman)
• Gratiola officinalis f. angustifolia ((Lange) Cout.)
• Gratiola linifolia var. angustifolia ((Lange) Franco)
• Gratiola angustifolia (Gilib.)
• Gratiola meonantha (Samp.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Korea (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 19, 1985 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2019 by Régis KRIEG-JACQUIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 15, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Paul Fabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Niti Ariadni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Kerstin Doll (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 1985 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 1985 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 11, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2018 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − liliane pessotto (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171915)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:803505-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gratiola officinalis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 5