Salvia pratensis

Salvia pratensis belongs to the family of the Lamiaceae and is a widespread, multi -year herbaceous plant. It mainly occurs in Europe and West Asia and grows preferably on nutrient -poor, dry meadows, on the edges of the path and in light forests. Salvia pratensis is very popular due to its decorative flowers and its ecological importance in natural gardens and ecological projects.

Morphology

Salvia pratensis reaches a growth of around 30 to 60 cm, but can also become up to one meter under optimal conditions. The plant has an upright, square stem that is often slightly hairy. The leaves are elongated and torn and arranged, with a wrinkled, rough surface. The basic leaves are significantly larger than the leaves growing on the stem on the stem. They are up to 15 cm long and have a serrated edge. The color of the leaves is dark green on the top and brighter on the underside.

The most striking features of the plant are their blue to violet flowers, which are arranged in dense, terminal ears. These ear -like inflorescences that appear from May to July can become up to 30 cm long. Each flower consists of two lips - the upper lip forms an arched helmet, while the lower lip is three -lobed and serves as a landing area for pollinators. The flowers are strongly zygomorphic (symmetrical along an axis) and have a tubular base. The crown tube is about 2 cm long and usually blue to violet, but occasionally there are also specimens with white or pink flowers.

Pollination and increase

Salvia pratensis is mainly pollinated by insects, especially bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The flowers are characterized by a special pollination mechanics: when a pollinator enters the flower, it presses against the so -called "tilt mechanism", which lets the dust bag fold down and transfers pollen to the body of the insect. This specialized pollination strategy increases the likelihood of successful foreign pollination.

The propagation takes place both via seeds and vegetative. After the pollination, Salvia pratensis forms small, dry nuts (clause fruits) that tires in late summer. These seeds are spread by wind and animals. Vegetative, the plant can be increased by sharing the rootstock, which is less common in nature.

Distribution and habitat

Salvia pratensis is widespread in Europe, whereby it often occurs in both western and Central Europe. In North and Eastern Europe it occurs less often. The plant prefers dry, sunny locations with lean, well -permeable soils. It grows on calcareous or sandy soils, but also occurs at loamy locations as long as they are not too nutrient. It can often be found in meadows, dry grass, lean grass and on the edges of the path. It is a characteristic plant of extensively managed areas and serves as a organic indicator for natural, less fertilized locations.

By intensifying agriculture and conversion of meager meadows in arable land, the existence of Salvia pratensis is declining in many regions. It is under protection in some areas because it is not competitive on nutrient -rich soils and is displaced by fertilization and soil compression.

Ecological meaning

Salvia pratensis has an important ecological function. It offers plenty of nectar and pollen for many types of insects, especially for wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The flowers are designed in such a way that they are particularly accessible long -trunk insects that have to work through the tubular flowers to get to the nectar. Due to its food source, Salvia pratensis contributes significantly to the preservation of pollinator populations, which are of central importance for many plant species and agricultural systems.

In addition, Salvia pratensis plays a role in promoting biodiversity. The plant supports with its presence of other species in species -rich meadows and promotes the stability of plant populations in natural and natural habitats.

Use in garden culture

Salvia pratensis is increasingly being used in natural gardens and landscape projects. Due to its attractive flowers and its usefulness for pollinators, it is a valuable asset to flower meadows, dry beds and natural plantings. It is relatively easy to care for, requires little nutrients and is dry -resistant, which makes it an ideal plant for locations with more difficult ground conditions.

In the past, meadow sage was used in traditional medicine due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, but today the plant hardly plays a role in modern phytotherapy.

Frequent questions

What is Salvia pratensis good for?

Salvia pratensis is particularly important for ecological diversity, since it represents a valuable nectar source for pollinators such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies. It was used in traditional medicine due to its anti -inflammatory and astringent properties. It is also an attractive ornamental plant in natural gardens.

Is Salvia pratensis perennial?

Yes, Salvia pratensis is a perennial plant.

Can you eat Salvia pratensis?

Salvia pratensis is basically edible, but it is rarely eaten because it has a bitter taste and is less aromatic than Salvia officinalis. Although it is non -toxic in small quantities, it is not recommended for culinary use. Instead, it is more valued for ecological and decorative purposes.