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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Heimia myrtifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

An intoxicating and euphoric drink is made by crushing the wilted leaves in water and leaving the liquid in a sunny position for three days to ferment[192]. In larger quantities this can induce hallucinations and produces a vision that is typically overcast in yellow[192].

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.

The leaves are antispasmodic, hallucinogenic and sedative[192]. An infusion serves to stabilize the blood pressure and relieve anxiety[192].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in full sun[200]. Especially in the colder areas of the country this plant is best grown against a sunny south or south-west facing wall and given a good mulch of bracken in the winter[200]. The rootstock is fairly hardy in most of Britain, whilst the top growth tolerates temperatures down to about -10 to -15°c[200]. If cut back by severe weather the plant usually grows again from the base[200]. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth[200]. Plants growing outdoors at Kew Botanical Gardens are cut back by the cold each winter but regrow and flower each year[11]. This species is closely related to H. salicifolia, differing mainly in having smaller flowers[11]. Any pruning is best carried out in early spring by removing excess growth at the base of the plant[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Mulch the roots well in the autumn to protect them from the cold. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo), Argentina (Entre Ríos, Misiones), Paraguay (Alto Paraná, Itapúa), Uruguay (Artigas, Cerro Largo, Maldonado, Rocha, Tacuarembó, Treinta y Tres)

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Heimia salicifolia	Erva De Vida, Shrubby yellowcrest	Shrub	3.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	1	1

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.

Heimia myrtifolia - Cham.&Schlecht.