Mountain Tea - Sideritis scardica - €6 per plant 

Sideritis scardica is endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, where it is found at high altitudes in rocky montane areas. It is under intense collection pressure from the wild, with increasing demand for its medicinal value. The plants has historically been a valuable medicinal plant. The name 'Sideritis' derives from the Greek word “sideros” meaning iron; in the ancient past, Sideritis was a generic reference for plants used to heal wounds caused by iron weapons during battles. It is also commonly used to make an excellent 'mountain tea (Mursalski Tea) and is rich in flavanoids, terpenes and essential oils, iridoids, coumarins, lignans and sterols. 
To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Endemic to the central part of the Balkan Peninsula 
  • native habitat: open, dry, grassy and stony meadows and rocky places on limestone shallow or eroded soils; it grows in the subalpine and alpine vegetation belts with other high mountain plants
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • No known

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA  Zones 8 - 10 ​
  • Likes it high and dry 



Known hazards 

  • none known
Overview ​
  • Herbaceous perennial  growing to 1 m by 0.5m. 
  • Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-10 
  • It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It cannot grow in the shade. 
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial   
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: stout stemed
  • height x width (m): 1 x 0.5
  • years to bearing yield:  1
  • productive life span:  4-5yrs

Products 

  • Very popular throughout its range, the plant is used as a herb either for the preparation of tisane, using stems, leaves and flowers, or for its aromatic properties in local cuisines.
  •  It has traditionally been used to aid digestion, strengthen the immune system, suppress viral infections, and to treat allergies and shortness of breath, sinus congestion, pain and mild anxiety.  

Functions, behaviours

  • A short-lived herbaceous perennial which reproduces by seed.
  • It is capable of associating with different plant species provided there is little competition between them, and was found to be particularly associated with habitat dominated by Juniperus communis.
  •  The mass collection of generative shoots during the flowering phase combined with low germination of seeds has resulted in a significant population declines, at least in parts of its range, as the plant has been exploited for its herbal properties
If you would like this plant  please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project