Adonis vernalis
| Adonis vernalis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Early Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Adonis vernalis (common name: pheasant's eye)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or else it can be slow and erratic to germinate[1][2]. Sow the seed in partial shade in rich soil in September or March[3]. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first season. Plant out when dormant in the autumn[K].
Division in early spring or in autumn. The divisions can be difficult to establish[1], so it is probably best to pot them up and keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away well.
Cultivation: Grows well in any ordinary garden soil that is not too heavy[4]. Prefers a moist well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[5][1]. Easily grown in a very well-drained rather dry soil in sun or part shade[6]. Plants flower better when growing in a sunny position[7].
This plant is adored by slugs and is therefore very difficult to grow in the open garden where slugs are common[6].
A very ornamental plant[4], it is rather rare in the wild so only cultivated plants should be harvested[8].
A greedy plant inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9].
Range: C. and S. Europe
Habitat: Sunny grassy hills on dry calcareous soils[10]. A rare plant in most of its range, it has legal protection from gathering in most countries[2].
Medicinal: Pheasant's eye has a long history of medicinal use and is still retained in the Pharmacopoeias of several European countries[7]. The plant contains cardiac glycosides similar to those found in the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)[11]. These substances improve the heart's efficiency, increasing its output at the same time as slowing its rate[11]. It also has a sedative action and so is generally prescribed for patients whose hearts are beating too fast or irregularly[11]. The herb is not often prescribed, however, due to irregular absorption[7].
The herb is cardiotonic, diuretic, sedative and vasoconstrictor[5][8][10][12][13][2]. It has sometimes been used internally as a cardiotonic with success where the better known foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) has failed - especially where there is also kidney disease[5]. The herb is also used in the treatment of low blood pressure and its strong diuretic action can be used to counter water retention[11]. It is included in many proprietary medicines, especially since its effects are not cumulative[2]. The plants are harvested every third year as they come into flower[8], they are dried for use in tinctures and liquid extracts[2]. The herb does not store well so stocks should be replaced every year[2]. Use with great caution[10], see the notes above on toxicity.
The plant is used in homeopathy as a treatment for angina[11].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Late Spring-Early Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: A toxic principle is present in very small quantities in the plant[8][10][12][14][15]. It is poorly absorbed so poisoning is unlikely[15].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Stuart, Malcolm. The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. Orbis Publishing, 1979.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Triska, Jan. Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn, 1975.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Stary, Frantisek. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn, 1983.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.