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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Imperatoria ostruthium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Imperatoria ostruthium. L.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[2, 115, 177]. Used as a potherb or as a flavouring[61, 183]. The aromatic roots can be used as a flavouring[183]. They are said to taste hotter than pepper[4]. A particularly popular drink is made from the fermented roots[7].

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.

Masterwort is little used in modern herbalism, but it may well be a herb that bears further investigation[254]. It was held in high regard in the Middle Ages where it was especially valued for its ability to resolve all flatulence in the body and stimulate the flow of urine and menstruation[254]. It was also used in treating rheumatic conditions, shortness of breath, kidney and bladder stones, water retention and wounds[254]. The root is antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter, strongly carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 21, 254]. It is of use in the treatment of asthma, dyspepsia and menstrual complaints[4], an infusion helps to relieve migraine[7]. The root is gathered in the spring or autumn and dried for later use[7, 9]. An essential oil from the plant has a euphoric and odontalgic effect[7]. Used externally, it relieves skin irritation[7]. When used externally, the plant or the extracted essential oil can cause an allergic reaction to sunlight[254]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots[9]. No details of its applications are given[K].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position[200]. Dislikes shade. This report contradicts the report that this plant grows wild in woodlands. Masterwort was at one time cultivated as a pot herb and for medicinal purposes, though it has now fallen into virtual disuse[4, 200]. Suitable for group plantings in the wild garden[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, France (incl. Corsica)

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

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.

Imperatoria ostruthium - (L.)Koch.