The Sacred Aromatic Herb

Hyssopus officinalis L.
Scientific name:
Hyssopus officinalis L.
Common name:
Hyssop
Family:
Lamiaceae
Biological form:
Camefita suffruticosa

Characteristics

Habit: Perennial shrub 30–50 cm tall with erect habit. Stems woody at the base, branched, slightly hairy. Leaves opposite, lanceolate, with revolute margins and oil glands. Flowers: Blue-purple, tubular, in one-sided terminal spikes. Fruits: Four small nutlets. Flowering: June–September.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Eurasian orophyte. Distribution in Italy: Almost all continental regions. Habitat: Dry rocky slopes, 200–1200 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Hyssopus): From Hebrew ezob, sacred herb. Specific name (officinalis): Indicates medicinal use.

Uses and properties

Medicinal and aromatic plant; expectorant and digestive, but essential oil can be toxic.

Curiosities

Sacred plant cited in the Bible as symbol of purification.