Practical
Plants

Eryngium planum

a perennial member of the Eryngium genus in the family Umbelliferae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.7 m
Spread
0.4 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Beetles
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Beetles

Uses

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 diuretic[9]. It is used in the treatment of whooping cough[7].

Product or use
Diuretic

Environment

Range
E. Europe to Asia.
Habitat
Dry soils in E. Europe[8]. Locally common in orchards and cultivated areas in Kashmir at 1700 metres[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, drought
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

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

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame[5]. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance[5]. Root cuttings in autumn or winter[5].

Cultivation

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

Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[1]. Prefers a light sandy soil but tolerates most soil types including lime and poor gravels[5]. When grown in soils that are too rich the stems will need staking before they flop[3]. Established plants are drought tolerant[4]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[3]. Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance[5]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties[6]. A good bee plant.

References

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

    ↩1↩2

  2. Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1976-00-00

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2

  4. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

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

    ↩

  8. ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00

    ↩

  9. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

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