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Ferula moschata - (Reinsch.)K.Pol.

Common Name Musk Root
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Mountains of Samarkand at heights of 900 to 1300 metres[4]. Gravel slopes in bushes in Tibet[266].
Range W. Asia - Turkestan to Tibet.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Ferula moschata Musk Root


Ferula moschata Musk Root

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Ferula moschata is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

F. sumbul. Hook.f. (is this the correct name?[200])

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

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.
Antispasmodic  Dysentery  Nervine  Stimulant  Tonic  Women's complaints

The root and the rhizome are antispasmodic, nervine, stimulant and tonic[4, 46, 61]. The medicinal action resembles that of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and the plant is used in the treatment of various hysterical conditions[4, 238]. It is also believed to have a specific action on the pelvic organs and is used in treating dysmenorrhoea and a wide range of other feminine disorders[4]. The root is also a stimulant to mucous membranes and is used in treating chronic dysentery, diarrhoea, bronchitis and even pneumonia[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Gum

A gum is extracted from the root. Used as a perfume and an incense[4, 46, 61, 238], it is a musk substitute[1].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils[1]. Requires a deep fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. Plants are hardy to about -5°c[200]. Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance[200]. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn[1]. Otherwise sow in April in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions whilst still small because the plants dislike root disturbance[1]. Give the plants a protective mulch for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

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 :

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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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Reinsch.)K.Pol.

Botanical References

200266

Links / References

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

Readers comment

Dr. med. Veronika Rampold   Fri Dec 23 2005

In Homeopathy the resin is known as Sumbulus moschatus and used mainly in hysteria and arteriosclerosis. See Boericke.

Alamode Exports Pvt. Ltd.   Thu Jun 8 2006

Available in the Indian Himalayas. Anyone interested? Contact: Alamode Exports Pvt. Ltd. email:[email protected]

A. Olson   Thu Mar 19 2009

This is all really good information. Now what I want to know is where I can purchase a small quantity of viable seed for this.

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Subject : Ferula moschata  
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