Herb: Globeflower


Latin name: Trollius europaeus


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Globeflower:

The whole plant, but especially the root, is purgative and rubefacient when used fresh. The plant loses some or all of its medicinal properties if it is dried. It is used in Russia in the treatment of certain obscure maladies and has also been successfully used to treat a scorbutic case that was considered to be incurable. It merits further investigation.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Wet pastures, scrub and woods in mountain districts, especially near streams and avoiding acid soils.

Propagation of Globeflower:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Keep the soil moist. Stored seeds can take 18 months or more to germinate and the seedlings are very slow growing at first. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Root division just after flowering or in spring. It is best done in September.

Cultivation of the herb:

Wet pastures, scrub and woods in mountain districts, especially near streams and avoiding acid soils.

Known hazards of Trollius europaeus:

The plant is mildly poisonous unless it is dried.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.