Crested latesummer mint

Elsholtzia ciliata

Physical Characteristics

Elsholtzia ciliata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. Europe. N. America. N. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Young leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Finely cut then added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. The leaves can be used as an aromatic condiment for vegetable dishes[183]. The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs[272].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antipyretic Antiviral Astringent Carminative Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Stomachic The plant contains an essential oil[283]. It is antibacterial, antipyretic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic[61, 176, 178, 279]. Its use is said to relieve the effects of excess alcohol[61, 178]. It is used in the treatment of common colds, fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, oedema and oliguria[176, 279]. The plant has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action[176]. It is harvested when in flower and dried for later use[283].

Known Hazards

None known