Practical
Plants

Onosma hispidum

a perennial member of the Onosma genus in the family Boraginaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Onosma
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.4 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

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.

There are no reports of toxicity for this species, but the following report for O. echioides should be borne in mind[K]. The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin[6].

Edible uses

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

Root[2]. Used as a flavouring.

Plant part
Root

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.

One report says that the plant has medicinal properties but gives no details[2].

Product or use
Miscellany

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat
Dry, rocky and savannah slopes, 1700 - 2000 metres in Kashmir[2]. Found at elevations up to 4000 metres[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
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 - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[1].

Cultivation

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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[1][3]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[1]. Best grown in a crevice in a rock garden or on a wall[1][3]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but disliking winter wet[4]. Plants also dislike wet summers[5].

References

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

  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

    ↩

  6. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩

  7. Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00

    ↩

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