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Summary

Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.

Physical Characteristics

Daphne mezereum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

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.
Antirheumatic Antiseborrheic Cancer Cathartic Diuretic Emetic Homeopathy Rubefacient
Stimulant Vesicant

Mezereum has been used in the past for treating rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but because of its toxic nature it is no longer considered to be safe[238]. The plant contains various toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, and these are currently being investigated (1995) for their anti-leukaemia effects[238, 254]. The bark is cathartic, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, stimulant and vesicant[4, 7, 9, 21, 46]. The root bark is the most active medically, but the stem bark is also used[4]. It has been used in an ointment to induce discharge in indolent ulcers[4] and also has a beneficial effect upon rheumatic joints[254]. The bark is not usually taken internally and even when used externally this should be done with extreme caution and not applied if the skin is broken[4, 21, 254]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[7]. The fruits have sometimes been used as a purgative[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[7]. It is used in the treatment of various skin complaints and inflammations[7, 9].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye Oil

A yellow to greenish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves, fruit and bark[13]. The seed contains up to 31% of a fatty oil[74]. No further details are given.

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Foundation, Specimen. A good sandy loam suits most members of this genus[11]. Prefers a good heavy soil and some shade[31, 49]. Prefers a calcareous soil[13, 17, 19] and cool moist conditions[11, 49]. There is no evidence to suggest it requires a calcareous soil, but all members of this genus do well on acid soils[11]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -30°c[184]. Plants tend to be short-lived in cultivation, probably due to excessive seed bearing[11, 200]. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[188]. They also resent being cut and so should not be pruned unless it is essential[245]. A good bee plant, providing a source of nectar very early in the year[108]. The flowers have a delicious sweet perfume[245]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place[164]. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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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 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
Brachyloma ciliatum	Daphne Heath	Shrub	0.4	8-11	S	LMH	SN	M	0	0
Chamaedaphne calyculata	Leather Leaf	Shrub	0.8	6-9		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Daphne bholua		Shrub	2.0	7-10		MH	FSN	DM	0	1	3
Daphne genkwa	Lilac Daphne	Shrub	1.5	4-8		MH	SN	M	0	3
Daphne gnidium	Flax-Leaved Daphne	Shrub	1.5	7-10		MH	SN	DM	0	1
Daphne involucrata		Shrub	0.0	-		MH	SN	M	0	0	1
Daphne laureola	Spurge Laurel	Shrub	1.0	6-9		MH	FS	DM	0	1	0
Daphne odora	Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne	Shrub	1.5	7-9	S	MH	SN	M	0	2	3
Daphne oleoides		Shrub	1.0	7-10		MH	N	DM	1	1
Daphne papyracea		Shrub	1.5	7-10		MH	S	M	0	1	1
Daphne pseudomezereum		Shrub	1.5	5-9		MH	S	M	0	0	1
Salix daphnoides	Violet Willow, Daphne willow	Tree	10.0	4-8	F	LMH	N	MWe	1	2	3

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.

Daphne mezereum - L.