Herb: American Germander


Latin name: Teucrium canadense


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of American Germander:

A tea made from the leaves is diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. The leaves are applied externally to cuts etc as an antiseptic dressing. The plant is a widespread adulterant to commercial supplies of skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Woods and thickets. Stream bottom woods and low open ground in Texas.

Propagation of American Germander:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in the following spring. Division in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woods and thickets. Stream bottom woods and low open ground in Texas.

Known hazards of Teucrium canadense:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.