Uses
Edible uses
There are no edible uses listed for Veratrum album.Material uses
The dried and powdered root contains pyrethrums and is used as an insecticide and a parasiticide[5][1][3][6]. It is also effective against caterpillars and mammals so great caution is advised[5][3][6].
Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The root is analgesic, anthelmintic, cathartic, emetic, errhine, expectorant, hypnotic and sternutatory[7][1][8][9][10]. The root is very poisonous, with a paralyzing effect on the nervous system, and is scarcely if ever used internally[7][1], though the alkaloids it contains are used in the pharmaceutical industry[8]. It is occasionally used externally as a local analgesic, though even this is not without its dangers since it can be absorbed through broken skin[7][1]. It is also used in veterinary medicine[11]. The root is harvested in early autumn and is dried for later use[1].
Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Unless stored in damp sand at around 4°c the seed has a short viability[12]. Where possible it is best to sow the seed in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[12]. Stored seed needs to be stratified but can be very slow to germinate. Germination can be erratic even for seed sown when it was fresh, it usually takes place within 3 - 12 months at 15°c but can be much longer[12]. The plant produces just one seedleaf in its first year, this forms an over-wintering bulb. It takes up to 10 years for the plant to reach maturity[12]. Sow the seed thinly so there is no need to thin or transplant them, and grow the seedlings on undisturbed in the pot for their first two years of growth. Apply a liquid feed at intervals through the growing season to ensure the plants do not become nutrient deficient. At the end of the second year plant out the dormant plants into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for a further year or two before planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Division in March/April or in October. Establish the plants in pots in a shaded frame before planting them out[12]. Division is best carried out in the autumn because the plants come into growth very early in the spring[13].
Root cuttings, 6mm long with a bud, rooted in a sandy soil in a cold frame[12].Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Veratrum album. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Requires a deep fertile moisture retentive humus-rich soil[12]. Succeeds in full sun if the soil does not dry out but prefers a position in semi-shade[12]. Dislikes dry soils[14]. Grows best in a cool woodland garden or a north facing border[14].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[13].
Plants are long-lived and can be left in the same position for years without attention[13].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Veratrum album. 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 Veratrum album.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Veratrum album
Genus
Veratrum
Family
Melanthiaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
- Unknown part (Insecticide)
Medicinal uses
- Unknown part (Analgesic)
- Unknown part (Anthelmintic)
- Unknown part (Cathartic)
- Unknown part (Emetic)
- Unknown part (Errhine)
- Unknown part (Expectorant)
- Unknown part (Hypnotic)
- Unknown part (Sternutatory)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
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
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
- ? Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (1980-00-00)
- ? 3.03.13.23.3 Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
- ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
- ? 5.05.15.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? 6.06.16.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
- ? 7.07.17.27.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
- ? 8.08.18.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
- ? 9.09.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
- ? 10.010.1 Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista ISBN 0-289-70864-8 (1979-00-00)
- ? 11.011.1 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
- ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.512.612.712.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 13.013.113.2 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
- ? 14.014.1 Grey. C. H. Hardy Bulbs. Williams & Norgate. (1938-00-00)
-
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