Wall Germander Teucrium chamaedrys L.
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as wall germander is a perennial herb that is rich in detail with its glossy, dark green leaves that have a fine, delicate texture similar to that of miniature oak leaves. These leaves are arranged opposite each other along the square stems, presenting a neat, orderly appearance. During its blooming period, the plant becomes dotted with dense clusters of tiny, tubular flowers that are typically a deep, rosy pink to purple in color, providing a vibrant splash against the green foliage. The overall impression of wall germander is one of a structured, ornamental plant, often used in formal garden designs for its ability to be shaped and maintained in crisp, clear lines. Its foliage remains evergreen in milder climates, contributing to its popularity as a decorative and functional plant in various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Wall Germander, Ground Oak, Dwarf Germander
Common names
Chamaedrys officinalis Raf., Chamaedrys vulgaris Benth., Teucrium officinale Salisb., Teucrium orientale var. chamaedrys (L.) O. Schwarz.
ToxicityTo humans
Wall germander, the common name for Teucrium chamaedrys L., has been associated with hepatotoxicity, meaning it can be toxic to the liver if ingested in significant quantities. It contains compounds that can lead to liver damage with symptoms that may include jaundice, abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic use or ingestion of large amounts of wall germander has the potential to cause serious liver injury, and therefore it should be consumed with caution, if at all.
To pets
Wall germander has the potential to be toxic to pets as well, especially with its hepatotoxic properties. If pets consume this plant, they might experience symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possible liver damage. Long-term consumption or ingestion of large amounts can lead to severe liver injury, with signs including jaundice and changes in behavior due to hepatic encephalopathy. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting wall germander to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Spread
1.5 feet [0.45 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Wall germander is well-suited to xeriscaping and can thrive with minimal water once established.
- Low Maintenance: It requires little care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking plants with low upkeep requirements.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of wall germander attract bees and butterflies, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, which can help prevent soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wall germander has attractive foliage and flowers that add visual interest to gardens and landscaping.
- Herbal Uses: Historically used in herbalism for a variety of purposes, which does not include its medical properties.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not favored by deer, making it a good choice in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as Wall Germander, has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and treat conditions associated with inflammation.
- Diuretic: It has diuretic effects and is traditionally used to promote the excretion of urine, which can be supportive in cases of urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
- Digestive tonic: Wall Germander is known to aid digestion and has been used to treat gastrointestinal issues like dyspepsia and to stimulate appetites.
- Hepatoprotective: It may offer liver-protecting benefits, helping to support liver function and protect against certain toxic substances.
- Antimicrobial: With natural antimicrobial properties, Teucrium chamaedrys has been used to combat various bacterial and fungal infections.
- Astringent: The astringent quality of Wall Germander makes it useful for treating wounds and skin conditions by causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.
- Choleretic: Wall Germander has choleretic activity, meaning it stimulates the production of bile, aiding in digestion and the processing of fats.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as wall germander, has traditionally been used as a low, clipped hedge in knot gardens and parterres due to its dense and easily-shaped foliage.
- In the realm of apiculture, wall germander can serve as a nectar source for bees, contributing to the production of honey with a unique flavor profile.
- Due to its aromatic properties, the leaves of wall germander have been utilized as a natural moth repellent when dried and placed in wardrobes or drawers.
- Its leaves can be infused to make a herbal tea that, while not medically focused, may offer a pleasant taste or be used in the culinary arts for flavoring.
- Garden designers often incorporate wall germander into rock gardens for its drought-resistant characteristics and ability to provide textured ground cover.
- The aroma of wall germander can be used in potpourris and sachets to impart a herby fragrance to rooms and linen closets.
- Wall germander has been employed in the craft of topiary, as it can be easily pruned into various shapes and maintains its form well.
- In the past, wall germander leaves were scattered on floors to deodorize and clean the air, in a non-medical sense, taking advantage of their strong scent.
- Artisans may use wall germander in dyeing, as it can produce green tints when used with mordants that fix the dye onto fabrics.
- Folk traditions suggest the use of wall germander in amulets or charms intended to ward off negative energy or provide protection, unrelated to its medicinal qualities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Wall Germander is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Wall Germander is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as wall germander, has been associated with protection due to its use in traditional medicine to ward off evil spirits and negative influences.
- Health and Healing: With a history of medicinal use, wall germander symbolizes health and the power of healing. It was often grown in medicinal gardens for its therapeutic properties.
- Boundaries: Because wall germander is often used as a border plant in gardens due to its neat growth habit, it has come to represent boundaries and the delineation of sacred spaces.
WaterWall germander, Teucrium chamaedrys, prefers well-drained soil and does not require excessive watering. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week, but frequency may vary depending on the climate and weather conditions, less during the cooler months, and more during hot, dry periods. When watering, apply water slowly at the base of the plant to ensure deep soil penetration, using about one gallon of water per plant to thoroughly moisten the root zone.
LightWall germander thrives in full sun to partial shade settings. The best spot for the plant would be an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate a bit of dappled shade, especially in hot, dry climates to avoid scorching.
TemperatureWall germander can withstand a range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures in the winter as low as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, although it thrives in regions where the temperature range stays between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate summer heat up to 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningWall germander should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins or immediately after the plant has flowered. Typically, pruning once or twice a year is sufficient. The best time for a major prune is after the last frost in spring to remove any winter damage and shape the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWall Germander prefers well-drained soil mix with sand or gravel, to provide good drainage and mimic its natural rocky habitat. The soil should have a pH slightly alkaline, around 7.5 to 8.0. Amending garden soil with lime can help achieve the desired pH level.
RepottingWall Germander should be repotted every 2-3 years to avoid becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil. This periodic repotting ensures the plant remains healthy and continues to thrive.
Humidity & MistingWall Germander is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but performs best in an environment that is not overly humid. It favors a Mediterranean climate, which is typically dry, so it does well in average room humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Wall Germander near bright sunlight and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Plant Wall Germander in full sun, space 15-18" apart, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleWall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.) begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in spring under favorable temperature and moisture conditions. The germinated seeds develop into seedlings with a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it forms a woody base with upright stems and takes on a bushy appearance, entering its vegetative growth stage where it continues to produce more leaves and branches. During the flowering stage in summer, wall germander produces small, pink to purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators, ensuring pollination and subsequent seed production. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small nutlets which contain the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In the final stage, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during winter, especially in colder climates, before resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Teucrium chamaedrys, more commonly known as Wall Germander, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings during the late summer. The most popular method is to select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. It helps to cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Rooting typically occurs in 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
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