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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves - raw. Rich in vitamin C, they are used as a cress substitute in salads[1][2]. A rather bitter flavour, though many people like the extra tang it gives to salads[2]. For culinary purposes, the leaves should be picked before the plant flowers[1].

The seed can be sprouted and added to salads[1].

The seed contains 50% of an edible oil - there is a potential for cultivation[3][4].

Leaves

Unknown part

Oil

Material uses

An essential oil from the seed is used in perfumery[5][6]. The plant is cultivated for this purpose.

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The leaves are antiscorbutic, diaphoretic and diuretic[3][2]. They are best harvested when the plant is in flower[2].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in an outdoor seedbed and plant them out in late summer[7]. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.

The seed can also be sown in early spring in a warm greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. The seed can also be sown in July for planting out in the following spring. Division. Plants are short-lived perennials, division may not be worthwhile.

Cuttings in summer 7cm long in a shady border[7]. Only done with named varieties being grown for ornament, it is not worthwhile otherwise.

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



Cultivation

Prefers a rich moist well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun or semi-shade[7][2]. Requires a neutral to alkaline soil[8]. Prefers an alkaline soil[9]. Tolerates poor soils[8][10]. Grows well in damp, shady or grassy places[11]. Established plants are drought resistant[9].

Plants are hardy to about -20°c[11]. A very ornamental plant[12], it is a short-lived perennial[11] and is often grown as a biennial. A good bee, butterfly and moth plant, it is a specific food plant for the orange-tip butterfly[13][14][8]. The flowers are very aromatic with a clove-like fragrance, this is especially apparent in the evening[15][16]. They usually have very little scent during the day and thus obtained a reputation in folk-lore for deceit[2].

The plant is sometimes cultivated for the essential oil contained in its seed[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Hesperis matronalis. 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 Hesperis matronalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Hesperis matronalis
Genus
Hesperis
Family
Brassicaceae
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
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
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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"image:Hesperis matronalis Illakko VI08 H4934.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.7 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.2 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.1 Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  10. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  12. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  13. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
  14. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
  15. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
  16. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  17. ? Polunin. O. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-217626-9 (1980-00-00)

"image:Hesperis matronalis Illakko VI08 H4934.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.