Dracocephalum rupestre is a plant species in the genus Dracocephalum, endemic to China.[1] [2] The specific epithet, "rupestre", is derived from Latin, and pertains to the plant growing among rocks.
Dracocephalum rupestre is a rhizomatous herb having numerous purplish, upwards-rising and unbranching stems (15–42 cm) scantily covered in backward-pointing hairs. Triangular-ovate, sparsely villous leaves (1.4–5.5 × 1.2–4.5 cm) are numerous. Inflorescences are verticillastrate with bluish-purple petalled flowers.[3] Flowering period is from July–September.[3]
The habitats of Dracocephalum rupestre are mountain meadows and slopes, or areas of thinning forest where more sun reaches the surface, at elevations between 700 and 3100 meters.[3] They are native to China; occurring in Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Qinghai, and Shanxi provinces.[3] [4]
People in Hebei and Shanxi have used Dracocephalum rupestre as a tea substitute, and in gardens for their showy flowers.[3]
