Dracocephalum

Dracocephalum is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Commonly known as dragonheads, the genus comprises about 20 to 40 species of herbaceous plants. They are characterized by square stems, opposite leaves, and bilabiate flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes or cymes. The flowers are typically blue, purple, or white, and the two-lipped corolla shows the characteristic form of many mints. The genus name derives from Greek drakon, dragon, and kephale, head, reflecting the heads or shapes seen in some flower clusters.

Dracocephalum is native to Eurasia, with the greatest diversity in Europe and Asia. It is found in a range of temperate habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and woodland edges. Several species have been introduced elsewhere and are grown as ornamentals or investigated for their essential oils and traditional medicinal uses. Naturalized populations occur in various regions outside its native range.

Notable species include Dracocephalum moldavica, commonly called Moldavian dragonhead or dragonhead mint, which is cultivated for its ornamental flowers and aromatic foliage. Beyond ornamentals, some Dracocephalum species have historical and folk uses in traditional medicine or cooking in certain cultures, though specific applications vary by species and region.

In cultivation, dragonheads prefer well‑drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and moderate moisture. They are typically short‑lived perennials or biennials and are propagated by seed or by division of clumps. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity. Conservation status varies by species, with some rare taxa threatened by habitat loss in the wild.