Coronilla emerus
Scorpion Senna
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Coronilla genus in the family Leguminosae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Genus
- Coronilla
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 2.7 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
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.
Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, some members of the genus are poisonous[13][2][6][11] and so some caution is advised.
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.
The plant is cardiac and diuretic[10].
- Product or use
- Cardiac
- Product or use
- Diuretic
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- C. and S. Europe to N. Africa.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- drought
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - scarify and then pre-soak the seed for 1 - 2 hours in warm water[3]. A period of cold stratification is also said to be helpful[7]. Sow the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place in 4 - 6 weeks at 15°c[3]. Pot up the seedlings as soon as possible into individual pots and plant them out in the following spring[3]. Cuttings of greenwood, June in a frame with bottom heat[1]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1]. Cuttings of nearly mature side shoots, firm at the base and 7 - 10cm long with a heel, October/November in a frame. Plants are well rooted after 12 months. Good percentage[12].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[5], preferring a moderately rich loamy soil[1][4][7]. An easily grown plant[1], it is hardy to about -20°c[5] if it is sheltered from cold winds[7]. Plants can be pruned almost back to the base if required, they usually resprout freely[7]. The flowers are sweetly scented[8]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[7]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[7].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-600-33545-3
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Polunin. O. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-19-217626-9
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2