They are abundant in Mediterranean regions, the Balkans, the Iberian Peninsula and Macaronesia, but can also be found in Central Europe and temperate Asia.

In ancient times "sideritis" was a generic reference for plants capable of healing wounds caused by iron weapons during battles.

Some schemes recognize and categorize up to 319 distinct species, subspecies, ecotypes, forms or cultivars, including:[9][3] Botanists have encountered difficulties in naming and classifying the varieties of Sideritis due to their subtle differences.

[11] The genus is composed of short (8–50 cm), xerophytic subshrubs or herbs, annual or perennial, that grow at high elevation (usually over 1000 m) with little or no soil, often on the surface of rocks.

The herbal tea is commonly prepared by decoction, by boiling the stems, leaves and flowers in a pot of water, then often serving with honey and lemon.