Stavesacre (Delphinium staphisagria)

Stavesacre (Delphinium staphisagria)
Wikimedia Commons — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staphisagria_macrosperma

At a glance

Lifecycle
Biennial
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils and situations. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagation

Seed - sow March in a cold frame or April outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place.

Medicinal uses

Stavesacre is a very poisonous plant that is rarely used in modern herbal medicine. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of warts, lice and itches. A homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds.

Material uses

A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only. The seed is used to make a potent insecticide, parasiticide and to destroy vermin.

Habitat

Field verges and in scrub, on hot dry soils.

Native range

Europe - Mediterranean.

Same genus