Satureja hortensis aka Savory

Satureja hortensis, or summer savory, is an annual herb. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range runs from southeastern Europe to Kazakhstan. It grows in temperate regions on dry, stony or gravelly slopes. People have also introduced it to parts of North America. There, its range extends from Newfoundland south to Virginia and west to Ohio.

Summer savory forms a bushy plant with several upright stems. Garden plants reach about 0.8–1.6 feet (0.25–0.5 metres) tall. Reported widths range from 1–3 feet (0.3–0.9 metres). The RHS gives a smaller upper spread of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Branching stems bear short white hairs that point down or backward. The narrow green leaves taper toward a small stalk. They have oil glands and a few hairs. Their scent and mild pepper taste make them useful herbs.

Small tubular flowers grow in close groups during summer. Their colours include white, pink and lilac. Bees visit the flowers, adding value to an edible garden. Pale brown nutlets follow the flowers and appear in autumn. This fast-growing herb can yield leaves within two months of sowing. It suits beds, borders, small gardens and hanging baskets. Deer seldom trouble it. Its scent also gives it a place in potpourri.

Grow summer savory in full sun and soil that drains well. Sources favour loam or light soil with some organic matter. Neutral or alkaline soil suits it, with alkaline soil preferred. It accepts dry conditions, but moisture supports growth. Avoid damp soil and shade, where it grows poorly. Sow seed in spring to start new plants. The RHS lists H4 hardiness; NC State lists USDA zones 2–11. These ratings do not change its annual life cycle. It needs little care and has few reported pest or disease problems. Pruning is not essential, though cutting at bud stage encourages fresh leaves.

Use the leaves fresh or dried, raw or cooked. They season soups, beans, meat and other foods. Leaves also serve as salad garnish or make herbal tea. Harvest them before flowering for kitchen use. The flowering shoots provide oil for food flavouring and perfume. Sources record traditional medicinal uses, chiefly for digestive complaints. These records do not establish that it treats illness. PFAF lists no known hazards. The ASPCA lists summer savory as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.