Dracocephalum ruyschiana
Local name: Dracocéphale de Ruysch, Tête-de-dragon de Ruysch
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family, characterized by its distinctive blue-violet tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes and deeply divided, narrow leaves. This arctic-alpine species plays an important ecological role as a nectar source for specialized pollinators including bumblebees and butterflies in harsh northern environments.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Karsten Rohweder, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Karsten Rohweder
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Lamiales
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Dracocephalum
Dracocephalum ruyschiana belongs to the family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family, characterized by its distinctive blue-violet tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes and deeply divided, narrow leaves. This arctic-alpine species plays an important ecological role as a nectar source for specialized pollinators including bumblebees and butterflies in harsh northern environments. The plant typically grows 10-40 cm tall and forms small colonies through underground rhizomes.
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation from agricultural expansion, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species' fragmented populations are also vulnerable to genetic isolation and local extinctions due to its specialized habitat requirements and limited dispersal ability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Dracocephalum ruyschiana inhabits dry, rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and tundra environments at high elevations, typically growing in well-drained calcareous soils. The species is found in harsh arctic and subarctic conditions where it tolerates extreme temperature fluctuations and short growing seasons.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation from agricultural expansion, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species' fragmented populations are also vulnerable to genetic isolation and local extinctions due to its specialized habitat requirements and limited dispersal ability.
Agricultural expansion and intensification
Urban development and infrastructure
Abandonment of traditional grazing practices
Climate change impacts on suitable habitat
Habitat fragmentation
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Dracocephalum ruyschiana (Dracocephalum ruyschiana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/dracocephale-de-ruysch-tete-de-dragon-de-ruysch