A robust, aromatic perennial herb with deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves and upright stems. Common in meadows, roadsides, and waste ground, it is valued for traditional medicinal uses and its ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
• Exposure: Very wind-tolerant; moderately coastal-tolerant, can tolerate some salt exposure in sheltered sites.
• Size: 100–150 cm tall; 50–100 cm wide.
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soils; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky ground. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
• Flowering Time: Late summer to autumn (typically August–September); inconspicuous reddish-purple flowers.
• Uses: Medicinal and aromatic; historically used in teas, herbal remedies, and ritual practices.
• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees and small pollinators; dense foliage provides shelter for invertebrates.
