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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Menziesia ferruginea is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. 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: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Nectar
Edible Uses:

Fruit - fresh or dried[61, 105, 183]. The fruit is about 5 - 7mm in diameter[200]. The nectar has been sucked from the flowers to sweeten the mouth[257].

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.
Cardiac Poultice Stomachic

The leaves are cardiac[257]. They have been chewed to relieve heart pain and treat stomach problems[257]. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to sores and swellings[257].

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a lime-free humus-rich moist soil in sun or light shade[182]. Prefers moderate shade, especially on the roots[1, 200], but it can also succeed in full sun[11]. Grows well in a woodland garden[200]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[200]. The young growth in spring is susceptible to damage by late frosts but the plants are otherwise of easy cultivation[182]. Flowers are produced on the previous years wood[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a shady position in a cold frame in the autumn[200] but it can also be sown in late winter [78]. Surface sow and do not allow the compost to become dry. Germination is variable and can take 1 - 2 months at 15°c[78]. Keep the seedlings heavily shaded and prick them out into individual pots when they are 12 months old[78]. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer once they are more than 15cm tall. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood, 2 - 5cm with a heel, May/June in a frame. Keep them shaded. The cuttings are very slow to root but usually a good percentage will succeed[78]. Division in early spring just before active growth begins[78]. Layering.

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 Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Expert comment

Author

Sm.

Botanical References

1171200

Links / References

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Menziesia ferruginea - Sm.