Teucrium fruticans – Shrubby Germander

Explore Teucrium fruticans (Shrubby Germander) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Teucrium fruticans | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Shrubby Germander

Family: Lamiaceae

Appearance: An evergreen shrub with glossy, gray-green leaves and pale lilac to white tubular flowers clustered along the stems. Leaves are aromatic when crushed.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Shrub

Root System: Moderate, fibrous root system

Height: 1–2 meters

Width: 1.5–2 meters

Lifespan: Long-lived perennial

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Toxicity: Not known to be toxic, however, exercise caution

Teucrium fruticans | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa)

• Companionship: Often found growing alongside Mediterranean shrubs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme

• Invasive Range: Not reported as invasive

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 8–10

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance

• Drought: High tolerance

• Shade: Moderate tolerance

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance

• Maritime: High tolerance

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soils, tolerates dry conditions

• Soil Type: Prefers sandy, rocky, or loamy soils

• Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Propagated by seed, though slow to germinate

• Cuttings: Easily propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings

Teucrium fruticans | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not commonly used as food

Medicinal: Limited data

Cosmetics: Occasionally used in herbal preparations

Animal Feed: Not typically used for animal feed

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not used for timber

Firewood: Not typically used for firewood

Wind Break: Can be used as a low windbreak or hedge

Fence: Suitable for barrier planting due to dense growth habit

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies

Pest Repellent: Not typically noted for pest-repelling properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar and shelter for pollinators and small wildlife

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