Myosotis alpestris Alpine Forget-Me-Not PFAF Plant Database

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Myosotis alpestris - F.W.Schmidt.

Common Name

Alpine Forget-Me-Not

Family

Boraginaceae

Synonyms

M. rupicola.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Rare and local in Britain, growing in damp woodlands and meadows, usually on basic rock formations[17, 200].

Range

Britain, Europe, W. Asia and N. America.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Myosotis alpestris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone 4. It is in flower from Jul to September, and the seeds ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Myosotis_alpestris_Atlas_Alpenflora.jpg

Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Astringent; Ophthalmic.

The whole plant is astringent and ophthalmic[7]. Used as a lotion, it is an excellent remedy for many eye diseases[7]. It is also ground into a powder and applied externally to wounds, at one time the leaf juice was used to stop nose bleeds[7]. The plant is harvested in May and can be dried for later use[7].

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details
Prefers a well-drained gritty soil[245]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. The flowers are deliciously fragrant in the evening and night time though there is little or no scent in the daytime[245].

Propagation

Seed - sow outdoors in situ in late spring or early summer. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Division in spring[111]. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of young shoots, summer in a shady border[111].

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Expert comment

Author
F.W.Schmidt.

Botanical References
17200

Links / References

[7]Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants.

Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.

[17]Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles.

A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.

[111]Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials.

A fairly wide range of perennial plants that can be grown in Britain and how to grow them.

[187]Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2.

Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[245]Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World.

An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

Readers comment

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