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Convolvulus scammonia - L.

Common Name Scammony
Family Convolvulaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Scrub and forest margins[50].
Range Europe - Mediterranean, to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Convolvulus scammonia Scammony


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Convolvulus scammonia Scammony

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Convolvulus scammonia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: 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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

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.
Cathartic  Hydrogogue

A resin is obtained from the root. The earth is cleared away from the top of the root, the top is then cut off obliquely about 5cm below the point where the stalks spring forth. The exuding juice is collected, which gradually hardens[4]. This resin is a drastic cathartic and hydrogogue and should be used with great caution[4, 46, 61]. The roots contain about 8% resin[240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a light basic sharply drained soil of low to medium fertility[4, 200]. Prefers a sunny sheltered position. Thrives in dry soils[4] and succeeds in ordinary garden soils. The root can be up to 1.2 metres long, so for best results a deep soil is required[4].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[164]. Germination can be slow and erratic, a period of cold stratification might help reduce the germination period. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Cuttings of young shoots, August in a frame in sand[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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Convolvulus arvensisField BindweedPerennial Climber2.0 4-8  LMSNDM121
Convolvulus erubescensAustralian Bindweed, Pinkflower bindweedPerennial Climber2.0 0-0  LMSNDM01 
Convolvulus tricolorDwarf Morning Glory, Bush Morning GloryAnnual/Perennial0.3 8-11 MLMHNDM00 
Polygonum convolvulusBlack BindweedAnnual1.2 0-0  LMHSNM100

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.

 

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Author

L.

Botanical References

50200

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