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Herniaria glabra - L.

Common Name Rupture Wort, Smooth rupturewort
Family Caryophyllaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats A rare and local plant of dry sandy areas in south Devon and eastern England[9, 17].
Range Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and temperate Asia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Herniaria glabra Rupture Wort, Smooth rupturewort


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Herniaria_glabra_Sturm2.jpg
Herniaria glabra Rupture Wort, Smooth rupturewort
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JustassHerniaria hirsuta

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 
Herniaria glabra is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in 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) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;

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.
Antirheumatic  Astringent  Diuretic  Expectorant

The whole plant, gathered when in flower, is astringent, very actively diuretic and expectorant[4, 9, 61, 240, 254]. It appears to have an antispasmodic effect upon the bladder and is used in the treatment of dropsy, catarrh of the bladder, cystitis and kidney stones[240, 254]. It has also gained a reputation for treating hernias[4, 9, 61]. Externally, it has been used as a poultice to speed the healing of ulcers[254].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Cleanser

A good ground cover plant, allowing spring bulbs to grow through it[200]. An aqueous extract of the plant is a hand cleanser, making the skin soft and supple[240].

Special Uses

Ground cover  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows well in hot dry soils[1]. Dislikes excessive moisture[1]. Succeeds in very poor soils[1]. Useful for covering rocks or as a carpet bedding[1], it makes a good ground cover for spring bulbs since they can grow through it easily[200]. The leaves emit a musky smell when they are handled[245].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. 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 into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Herniaria hirsutaHairy Rupture WortAnnual/Perennial0.0 4-8  LMNDM013

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

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

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