Stachys arvensis

Stachys arvensis Field woundwort

Hierba de gato

This flower is common over much of Europe and eastwards to Taiwan. It flowers from April to June and can grow to an height of 45cms. It prefers dampish, acid and sandy soils.

Mentha suaveolens

Mentha suaveolens Round leaved or Apple mint

Mentastro

It is native to southern and western Europe and can grow to an height of 80cms. It flowers from July until December and can be used in cooking. It prefers damp soils and is rare in northern Europe. In high doses it is toxic.

Mentha pulegium

 Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal

Mentha poleo

This common herb is native to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It flowers from July to October and can grow to an height of 40cms. Tea can be made from the dried leaves, but is toxic to the liver and the uterus but has been used for centuries. It should only be used in moderation. The essential oil of Pennyroyal is used in aromatherapy, but ingestion of the oil can cause death.

Prunella laciniata

Prunella laciniata Cutleaf selfheal

Prunella blanca

This pretty little plant is found in damp meadows and flowers from April to July. It grows from 10-30cms in height and is native to Europe and the Mediterranean as far west as Iran. It is hairy and has an erect stem. The name Prunella comes from the German word for "sore throat," and the plant was a natural remedy used in folklore for this affliction.

Salvia verbenaca

Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary, Wild Sage

Verbenaca

This spring herb is native to the UK, Mediterranean, north Africa and the near East. It can be in flower virtually all year, but in the Mediterranean it is mostly spring. It grows from 20-80cms tall depending on moisture. The leaves can be used to flavour food, make sage tea and the flowers can be used in salads.

Calamintha nepeta

Calamintha nepeta  Lesser Calamint

Calaminta

This plant is a perennial herb with shiny green leaves. It smells like a cross between mint and oregano and is used in Italian cooking. It is a native to the Mediterranean and can grow to an height of 18 inches, 50cms. It can flower from the spring through to the late autumn.

Lamium amplexicaule

Lamium amplexicaule Henbit dead nettle

Gallitos

This Lamium was probably native to the Mediterranean originally, but is now found on many continents. It grows from 8~25cms tall and can be found in flower from February to October.

Teucrium fruticans

Teucrium fruticans Tree germander

Olivilla

This shrub is native to western and central Spain. It can grow from 50~1.50cms tall and is often found cultivated in gardens. It flowers from March to June.

Thymus mastichina

Thymus mastichina Mastic thyme

Almoradux

This thyme is endemic to the southern Iberian peninsula. It grows from 20~50cms tall and the leaves give off an eucalyptus type aroma. An essential oil can be made from this plant, called Oil of Marjoram. The leaves can be used fresh at any time in cooking.

Ajuga iva ssp iva

Ajuga iva ssp iva Southern bugle

Pinillo almisclado

This perennial flowers from March to December and grows from 5~18cms. I found lots flowering yesterday, only about 5cms tall on 9.11.2014. It is native to the Mediterranean.

Thymbra capitata

Thymbra capitata Mediterranean Thyme

Tomillo aceitunero

This Thyme is native to the Mediterranean where it flowers from June to October. It grows from 15-40cms tall and is loved by insects.

Thymus granatensis

Thymus granatensis  Thyme

Tomillo colorao

This colourful Thyme is found in southern and eastern Spain and flowers from May to August in the mountains. It grows from 5-30cms tall and is loved by insects, as all Thymes. 

Thymus baeticus

Thymus baeticus Common thyme

Tomillo basto

This Thyme is endemic to southern and eastern Spain and flowers in May and June, growing to a height of 15-50cms and is found up to an altitude of 1,300 metres.

Teucrium lusitanicum

 Teucrium lusitanicum

This bush can grow from 25-50cms tall and flowers from May to July. It is native to the southern Iberian province and NW Africa where it is abundant.

Salvia sclareoides

Salvia sclareoides Wild sage

Salvia

This Sage is native to the Iberian Peninsula and can grow to a height of 50cms. It is found in meadows and also close to rivers where this one was photographed.

Salvia verbenaca

Salvia verbenaca Wild clary

Verbenaca

This Salvia can flower from February to November and was originally native to west and southern Europe, North Africa and WS Asia. It has now naturalised over many continents. It grows 5-30cms tall.

Lamium album

Lamium album White Dead-nettle

This nettle like plant does not have a sting, and is very attractive when it flowers from May to September. It grows from 50-100cms tall and is native to Europe and Western Asia.

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary

Romero
The Rosemary bush is a native of the Mediterranean where it grows to a height of 50cms-1.5metres. It flowers from November to March and has many culinary uses. It is also used in Aromatherpy. It is now cultivated worldwide.

Marrubium vulgare

Marrubium vulgare White horehound

Marrubio blanco

This horehound grows between 25-45cms tall and flowers from April to October. It is native to Europe, Africa and Asia.

Origanum virens

Origanum virens  Wild marjoram

Orégano

This wild herb flowers from July to October and grows 15-25cms tall. It is a native of the Mediterranean and this photograph was taken at Sierra de las Nieves at approx. 1,300m.