Onosma echioides - L.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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

Synonyms

Habitats

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

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.

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].

Other Uses

Dye.

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

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].

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

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 :

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

89200

Links / References

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