Mountain germander (Teucrium montanum, Sp. pl. 2:565. 1753)

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:565. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Teucrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe, Medit.

Description

Mountain germander, scientifically known as Teucrium montanum, is a noteworthy species in the plant kingdom, cherished for its unique characteristics and extensive applications. Described by L. in 1753 in “Species Plantarum,” this remarkable herb is a member of the Lamiaceae family, renowned for its aromatic herbs and shrubs.

Native to central Europe and the Mediterranean region, Mountain germander adorns rocky, sunlit terrains with its distinctive presence. This perennial plant thrives in its natural habitat, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecological zones. Its robust adaptability allows it to flourish in well-drained, calcareous soils – a testament to its resilient nature.

The plant is characterized by its small, grey-green leaves and dense, compact growth form, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and ornamental use. During the blooming season, it produces small, tubular flowers that range in color from creamy white to pale yellow. These blossoms not only add aesthetic value but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Traditionally, Teucrium montanum has been utilized in herbal medicine due to its assorted therapeutic properties. It has been employed for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and digestive benefits, making it a valuable plant for natural remedies. Infusions and extracts from this herb have been used to treat ailments ranging from respiratory issues to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Cultivating Mountain germander in a garden setting is relatively straightforward. It requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet ornamental plants. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages more prolific flowering.

In summary, Teucrium montanum or Mountain germander is a resilient, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing plant that holds significant ecological and medicinal value. Its presence in central Europe and the Mediterranean underscores its adaptability and its symbiotic relationship with the native fauna. Whether in a natural habitat or a garden setting, this plant continues to be cherished for its beauty and utility.

Common Names

Deu: berg-gamander
Nld: berggamander
Swe: berggamander
Fra: germandrée des montagnes
En: Mountain germander
Bg: Планинско подъбиче
Zh: 伊瓦草
Hr: Trava iva
Cs: Ožanka horská
Nl: Berggamander
Fr: Germandrée des montagnes
De: Berg-Gamander
It: Camedrio montano
Mk: Планински германдер
Pl: Ożanka górska
Sk: Hrdobarka horská
Sv: Berggamander
Tr: Dağ kısamahmudu

Synonyms

• Polium montanum ((L.) Mill.)
• Chamaedrys montana ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by 30blueQuarks (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by figerou (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Fruit

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by claude lerat -gentet Mme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2017 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7308294)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:460563-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Teucrium montanum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

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

Soil nutriments: 1