Lallemantia iberica

Lallemantia iberica belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range spans the Caucasus and western and central Asia. Records include Turkey, Iran, northern Iraq, and Turkmenistan. It also occurs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the eastern Mediterranean region. It grows in temperate climates and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Older names include Dracocephalum ibericum and Lallemantia sulphurea.

Kew lists this plant as an annual. Plants For A Future describes it as annual or biennial. It reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Wild plants grow along roads, on slopes, and in fallow fields. They also occur among crops as weeds. In Turkey, records reach about 7,050 feet [2,150 metres] above sea level. Gardeners grow it in ornamental beds as well as for useful seeds.

Flowers appear from July to August, and bees visit them. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees carry pollen between flowers, helping the plant set seed. The seeds ripen from August to September. Its appeal to bees gives it value in gardens for wildlife. The supplied sources do not describe flower colour, leaf shape, or stem features. They also give no details about the fruit beyond seed ripening.

Choose a sunny site with light soil that drains well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, while shade does not. It prefers moist ground and a cool growing site. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Sow seeds directly in their growing place in April. The same source reports very quick germination. It gives no specific pest or disease problems. Although wild plants occur among crops, its weed-potential entry says no.

Cooked leaves serve as a green vegetable. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They also yield an edible oil. Seeds may contain up to 30 percent drying oil. This oil has uses in lamps, paints, varnishes, and lubricants. It can take the place of linseed oil. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every person or pet.