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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves and young shoots - cooked[1][2][3]. Used like spinach[4][5].

Flowers - cooked or used as a garnish[5].

The red dye obtained from the roots can be used to colour oils and fats[6].

Unknown part

Flowers

Leaves

Material uses

A red dye is obtained from the roots[7].

Unknown part

Dye

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

All parts of the plant are demulcent and expectorant[1]. They are used externally to treat cuts, bruises and phlebitis and internally to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh[1]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[1]. It is used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers[1].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in pots of sandy soil[8]. An overnight drop in temperature helps germination[9]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 21°c[9]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in an outdoor seed bed during July, transplanting the plants to their final positions during early autumn[10]. These plants will grow larger and flower earlier than those sown in spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Anchusa officinalis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position[11]. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil[12].

The flowers are a rich source of nectar and are very attractive to bees[11].

The dry leaves emit a rich musky fragrance, rather like wild strawberry leaves drying.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Anchusa officinalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Anchusa officinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Anchusa officinalis
Genus
Anchusa
Family
Boraginaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.6 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    3. ? 3.03.1 Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent (1990-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
    10. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    12. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)

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