Ipomopsis aggregata Skyrocket, Scarlet gilia PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ipomopsis aggregata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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

Gilia aggregata. (Pursh.)Spreng.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar
Edible Uses: Tea

The plant has been boiled up as a tea[257]. The nectar is sucked from the flowers by children[257].

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 Disinfectant Emetic Skin Tonic

The whole plant is cathartic and emetic[61, 257]. The leaves are steeped in hot water until the water turns a bright green, this liquid is taken in small doses as a tonic for the blood[207, 257]. An infusion of the whole plant has been used to treat blood diseases[257]. A decoction has been used as a disinfectant wash on itchy skin[257]. A poultice of the whole plant has been applied to rheumatic joints[257]. An infusion of the roots is used as a laxative and in the treatment of high fevers, colds[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Disinfectant Adhesive Soap

The plant is reported to contain saponins[212] and so could possibly be used as a soap substitute[K]. A decoction of the plant has been used as a face and hair wash by adolescent girls[257]. The whole plant has been boiled up to make a glue[257].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained dry soil in sun or partial shade[187]. Requires a light very well drained fertile soil in full sun[200]. Plants are cold-hardy to about -15°c[187], but they are susceptible to rot in areas with wet winters[260]. It is best to cover the plants with a pane of glass in wet winter areas[260]. A slow-growing[188] and short-lived perennial or biennial species[187]. A polymorphic species[60]. The leaves have a musky scent[187]. The crushed leaves smell like a skunk[212].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (British Columbia (south)), United States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah), Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas)

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 :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Ipomopsis congesta	Ballhead ipomopsis	Perennial	0.3	0-0		LMH	SN	M	0	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.

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Expert comment

Author

(Pursh.)V.E.Grant.

Botanical References

200204

Links / References

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

Ipomopsis aggregata - (Pursh.)V.E.Grant.