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Dracocephalum moldavica - L.

Common Name Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead
Family Lamiaceae or Labiatae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry hills, stony riverbanks and valleys at elevations from 200 - 2,700 metres in western China.
Range E. Europe to E. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Dracocephalum moldavica Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dracocephalum_moldavica_Sturm28.jpg
Dracocephalum moldavica Moldavian Balm, Moldavian dragonhead
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bff

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Dracocephalum moldavica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Shoots
Edible Uses: Tea

The lemon-scented leaves are used to make a tea[183]. Young shoots[183]. No further details are given.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Carminative  Tonic  Vulnerary

The seeds are astringent, carminative and tonic[240]. They are used as a demulcent in the treatment of fevers[240]. The plant is astringent, tonic and vulnerary[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential

The plant contains an essential oil, this is a possible source of citral[240].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a sunny position in a fertile well-drained soil[200]. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its essential oil[266]. The plant is very fragrant[200], with both the leaves and the flowers emitting a most refreshing scent of lemons[245]. The flowers remain fragrant and fresh for several weeks[245]. It is a useful plant for filling gaps in the summer border[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ. Pinch back the shoot tips in May in order to encourage bushy growth[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

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
Dracocephalum heterophyllum Perennial0.3 6-9  LMHSNM10 
Dracocephalum parviflorumAmerican DragonheadAnnual/Biennial1.0 6-9  LMHSNM11 

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

200266

Links / References

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Subject : Dracocephalum moldavica  
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