IRONWORT --Sideritis syriaca--

In Greek "Sideritis" can be literally translated as"s/he who is or has the iron". Originally thought to be found on Mt. Olympus, abundant in the Mediterranean. AKA, mountain tea/shepherd's tea. An herbalists staple, used in the Balkans to make a tisane similar to chamomile, using the leaves and blossoms, harvested typically around June. Both delicious and strengthening, the tea was used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and to strengthen the immune system. This is a challenging plant to grow - It does not want to be too wet or too hot, though it is very tolerant of bright sun and poor soil.