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Onosma echioides - L.

Common Name Onosma
Family Boraginaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin[219].
Habitats Limestone slopes and rocks to 1600 metres[187]. Crevices in rocks and cliffs[89].
Range S. Europe to N. Africa.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Onosma echioides Onosma


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Franz_Xaver
Onosma echioides Onosma
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Franz_Xaver

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Onosma echioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

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.
Alterative  Laxative  Poultice  Stimulant

The leaves are alterative[240]. They are made into a powder and given to children as a purgative[240]. The flowers are used as a cordial and stimulant in the treatment of rheumatism and palpitations of the heart[240]. The root is bruised and used as an external application to skin eruptions[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye

A red dye is obtained from the root. It is an alkanna substitute[46, 61].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[1, 187]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[1]. Best grown in a crevice in a rock garden or on a wall[1, 187]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but disliking winter wet[190]. Plants also dislike wet summers[200]. Hardy to about -15°c[187]. There is some confusion over this species. It is given as a part of O. frutescens in some reports but [200] gives it specific status. A very ornamental plant[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Onosma bracteatum Perennial0.4 -  LMNDM021
Onosma frutescens Perennial0.3 7-10  LMNDM001
Onosma hispidum Perennial0.4 -  LMNDM11 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

89200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

ren   Thu Apr 21 20:21:31 2005

I would appreciate if someone from your site might offer me additional information regarding the possible permanent harmful affects of Onosma echioides

I recently used a topical oil that dripped into my lower eye lid causing severe burining for the last 24 hours, I have used saline though still slight pain the composition consisted of (Charetta Rusi oil Loh-churna Karpoor Ratajyot Chandan oil Khus oil Sesame oil Pudinasat (menthol?, not sure) Mulethi ( I believe licorice) Gulab phool (is this lieterally essence of a rose flower?)

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Subject : Onosma echioides  
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