medicinal herbs
Pink Purslane
Claytonia sibirica
Herb: Pink Purslane
Latin name: Claytonia sibirica
Synonyms: Claytonia alsinoides, Montia sibirica
Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Medicinal use of Pink Purslane:
The plant is diuretic. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been applied to cuts and sores. The juice of the plant has been used as eye drops for sore red eyes. A cold infusion of the stems has been used as an antidandruff wash for the hair.Description of the plant:
Plant:
EvergreenAnnual/Perennial
Height:
15 cm(6 inches)
Flowering:
Aprilto July
Habitat of the herb:
Damp woods, shaded streamsides etc, especially on sandy acid soils.Edible parts of Pink Purslane:
Leaves - raw or cooked. They usually have a fairly bland flavour and are quite nice in a salad or cooked as a green vegetable. The leaves have a distinct earthy after-taste rather like raw beetroot. They are available all year round but can turn rather bitter in the summer, especially if the plant is growing in a hot dry position. Although on the small side, the leaves are produced in abundance and are very easily harvested.Other uses of the herb:
A good ground cover plant for a shady position. This species is a short-lived perennial but it usually self-sows freely and gives a dense weed-excluding ground cover.Propagation of Pink Purslane:
Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. The seed usually germinates rapidly.Cultivation of the herb:
Damp woods, shaded streamsides etc, especially on sandy acid soils.Known hazards of Claytonia sibirica:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.