Mountain Tea

sideritis montana

Also known as: ["Ironwort","Shepherd's Tea"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Sideritis Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to mountainous regions, known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional teas.

Benefits & Perks

["medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Sideritis
Botanical Name: Sideritis montana

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, alpine trough, or sunny border
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Medicinal Herb Gardeners Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-draining, rocky or sandy soil

pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–7.5)

Use gritty mix; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

Avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Recommended for faster rooting

Timeline

Roots in 3–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; trim leggy stems; remove old wood

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune before active growth; remove no more than 1/3 of plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size up; ensure bottom drainage holes

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim any circling roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers slightly root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; handle roots gently; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pH balance.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat; stunted growth or mold in cold, damp conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or curl; growth may slow; soil dries out faster.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant periods.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sideritis montana may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sideritis montana is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Sideritis montana may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Sideritis montana if the soil is poorly drained or excessively moist, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sideritis montana is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines. However, ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume the plant, but it is generally safe. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sideritis montana is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion in large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume the plant, but it is generally safe. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sideritis montana is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its natural compounds. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in excessive quantities

Consume in moderation and consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sideritis montana safe for pets?

A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: What are the traditional uses of Sideritis montana?

A: It is commonly used to make herbal teas for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Q: How should Sideritis montana be cared for?

A: It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, with moderate watering and pruning to encourage bushier growth.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","medicinal herb gardeners","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

White Horehound
View
Canary Island Sage
View
Bushy Mint
View
Horehound
View