This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Adonis vernalis
  • Pheasant's Eye

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

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Adonis vernalis has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

A toxic principle is present in very small quantities in the plant[1][2][3][4][5]. It is poorly absorbed so poisoning is unlikely[5].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Adonis vernalis.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Adonis vernalis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Pheasant's eye has a long history of medicinal use and is still retained in the Pharmacopoeias of several European countries[6]. The plant contains cardiac glycosides similar to those found in the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)[7]. These substances improve the heart's efficiency, increasing its output at the same time as slowing its rate[7]. It also has a sedative action and so is generally prescribed for patients whose hearts are beating too fast or irregularly[7]. The herb is not often prescribed, however, due to irregular absorption[6].

The herb is cardiotonic, diuretic, sedative and vasoconstrictor[8][1][2][3][9][10]. 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[8]. The herb is also used in the treatment of low blood pressure and its strong diuretic action can be used to counter water retention[7]. It is included in many proprietary medicines, especially since its effects are not cumulative[10]. The plants are harvested every third year as they come into flower[1], they are dried for use in tinctures and liquid extracts[10]. The herb does not store well so stocks should be replaced every year[10]. Use with great caution[2], see the notes above on toxicity.

The plant is used in homeopathy as a treatment for angina[7].

Unknown part

Cardiotonic
Diuretic
Sedative
Vasoconstrictor

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or else it can be slow and erratic to germinate[11][10]. Sow the seed in partial shade in rich soil in September or March[12]. 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[11], so it is probably best to pot them up and keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away well.

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



Cultivation

Grows well in any ordinary garden soil that is not too heavy[13]. Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[8][11]. Easily grown in a very well-drained rather dry soil in sun or part shade[14]. Plants flower better when growing in a sunny position[6].

This plant is adored by slugs and is therefore very difficult to grow in the open garden where slugs are common[14]. A very ornamental plant[13], it is rather rare in the wild so only cultivated plants should be harvested[1].

A greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Adonis vernalis. 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 Adonis vernalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Adonis vernalis
Genus
Adonis
Family
Ranunculaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
[6][7][8][1][2][3][9][10]
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
[11]
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
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
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
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.3 x 0.3 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Flies, Beetles
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    4. ? Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    12. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    15. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)

    "image:Adonis vernalis.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Adonis_vernalis&oldid=74790"
    Facts about "Adonis vernalis"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRanunculaceae +
    Belongs to genusAdonis +
    Has common namePheasant's Eye +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bee +, Flies + and Beetles +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageAdonis vernalis.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height0.3 +
    Has mature width0.3 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useCardiotonic +, Diuretic +, Sedative + and Vasoconstrictor +
    Has primary imageAdonis vernalis.jpg +
    Has search nameadonis vernalis + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameAdonis vernalis +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +