Practical
Plants

Adonis vernalis

Pheasant's Eye

a perennial member of the Adonis genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Adonis
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.3 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Beetles
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Beetles

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A toxic principle is present in very small quantities in the plant[14][15][3][5][13]. It is poorly absorbed so poisoning is unlikely[13].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Pheasant's eye has a long history of medicinal use and is still retained in the Pharmacopoeias of several European countries[9]. The plant contains cardiac glycosides similar to those found in the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)[8]. These substances improve the heart's efficiency, increasing its output at the same time as slowing its rate[8]. It also has a sedative action and so is generally prescribed for patients whose hearts are beating too fast or irregularly[8]. The herb is not often prescribed, however, due to irregular absorption[9]. The herb is cardiotonic, diuretic, sedative and vasoconstrictor[10][14][15][3][11][7]. It has sometimes been used internally as a cardiotonic with success where the better known foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) has failed - especially where there is also kidney disease[10]. The herb is also used in the treatment of low blood pressure and its strong diuretic action can be used to counter water retention[8]. It is included in many proprietary medicines, especially since its effects are not cumulative[7]. The plants are harvested every third year as they come into flower[14], they are dried for use in tinctures and liquid extracts[7]. The herb does not store well so stocks should be replaced every year[7]. Use with great caution[15], see the notes above on toxicity. The plant is used in homeopathy as a treatment for angina[8].

Product or use
Cardiotonic
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Vasoconstrictor

Environment

Range
C. and S. Europe
Habitat
Sunny grassy hills on dry calcareous soils[15]. A rare plant in most of its range, it has legal protection from gathering in most countries[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or else it can be slow and erratic to germinate[6][7]. Sow the seed in partial shade in rich soil in September or March[2]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first season. Plant out when dormant in the autumn[K]. Division in early spring or in autumn. The divisions can be difficult to establish[6], so it is probably best to pot them up and keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away well.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Grows well in any ordinary garden soil that is not too heavy[1]. Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[10][6]. Easily grown in a very well-drained rather dry soil in sun or part shade[4]. Plants flower better when growing in a sunny position[9]. This plant is adored by slugs and is therefore very difficult to grow in the open garden where slugs are common[4]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is rather rare in the wild so only cultivated plants should be harvested[14]. A greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[12].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

    ↩

  3. Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-600-33545-3

    ↩1↩2

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  5. Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  8. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  9. Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-85613-067-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  11. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  12. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  13. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩1↩2

  14. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  15. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

Edit this page