Mountain ironwort (Sideritis montana, Sp. Pl.: 575 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 575 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sideritis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Xinjiang and W. Himalaya

Description

Mountain ironwort, known scientifically as Sideritis montana, is a notable member of the Lamiaceae family. First cataloged by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this plant has since garnered attention for its remarkable adaptability and widespread presence.

Originating from the Mediterranean region, Mountain ironwort has expanded its range across various terrains, extending to Xinjiang and reaching as far as the western Himalayas. Its resilience in diverse climates and altitudes underscores its hardy nature and ecological versatility.

As a part of the Lamiaceae family, Mountain ironwort shares familial traits with a number of aromatic and medicinal plants, often recognized for their distinctive scent and potential health benefits. Historically, plants within this family have been utilized for their therapeutic properties, a characteristic that Sideritis montana may also possess.

The plant itself is often found in rocky, mountainous regions where it can thrive with minimal soil and water. Such environments, while harsh, provide the perfect conditions for this species to flourish, suggesting an inherent strength and endurance. Mountain ironwort’s role in these ecosystems is significant, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its native habitats.

In summary, Mountain ironwort serves as an exemplary species illustrating the resilience and adaptability of the Lamiaceae family. Its expansive geographic range from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, coupled with its historical and botanical significance, makes Sideritis montana a plant of considerable interest both to botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: berg-gliedkraut
Dan: bjerg-kortkrone
Eng: mountain ironwort
Lav: kalnu siderīts
Est: mägi-haavarohi
Swe: sårmynta
En: Mountain ironwort
Da: Bjerg-kortkrone
Et: Mägi-haavarohi
Fi: Vuoriraudakki
Fr: Crapaudine des montagnes
De: Berg-Gliedkraut
He: ברזילון הררי
It: Stregonia montana
Lv: Kalnu siderīts
Sv: Sårmynta

Synonyms

• Hesiodia montana ((L.) Dumort.)
• Burgsdorfia montana ((L.) Rchb.)
• Stachys montana ((L.) Peruzzi & Bartolucci)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Primorye (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Sep 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2007 by Tela Botanica − null null (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2007 by Tela Botanica − null null (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Alix Wilmouth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Alix Wilmouth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Alix Wilmouth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Wilfried Löderbusch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Шамхалов Магомед (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by Roland Godon (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2022 by Ali Beyranvand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by perfidus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Страхил Иванов (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Шамхалов Магомед (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Florian Ruchti (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.

Bark

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Cynthia Brinkley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2010 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Other

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926688)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:459012-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sideritis montana L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

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