Description
Botanical Information: Woodland Germander
Though also known as wood sage, wood germander does not hold the same culinary delights that typical sage does. What it lacks in the kitchen, it makes up for with attracting pollinators!
Botanical Information
Woodland germander is a hairy perennial herb with heart-shaped, crinkly leaves. The flowers of wood germander are one-sided on the stem, making all of the flowers “look” in the same direction. The flowers themselves are pale green/yellow with purple stamens, which protrude from the flower. Woodland germander forms colonies in areas via rhizomes and spreading seeds. It can grow to 0.5-1 metres in height and has a spread of 0.5-1 metres
Habitat
You will find it not just in dry woodlands, but also in acid heaths, sand dunes and coastal cliffs. It likes sandy, well-drained soils with lots of sun exposure.
Benefits to Wildlife
The flowers of wood germander attract a plethora of bees, wasps, butterflies and beetles who feed on the nectar. The wood sage flea beetle is specific to woodland germander; the adults eat the leaves and the larvae are found on the roots! Birds are also known to feed on the seeds.
Conservation Status in the UK
it is widespread across the UK and is fairly common.
Ease of Growing
Simply plant your woodland germander in any area which offers full sun and has well-drained soil. Rhizome growth allows the plant to spread and create colonies, so maintenance and removal of growth in unwanted areas may be needed. Woodland germander is drought-resistant, so minimal watering is required. We highly recommend this species as something that is a strong, beginner friendly species!
More Information
Species From the Same Habitats
Common Columbine | Aquilegia vulgaris
Hedgerow Cranes-bill | Geranium pyrenaicum
Sweet Cicely | Myrrhis odorata
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.