Giant Trumpets, Thurber's giant-trumpets
Macromeria viridiflora

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Macromeria viridiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

Height (m): 0.9

Where it is found

Rocky slopes and in valleys in pine forest and in scrub, 1000 - 2750 metres.

South-western N. America - New Mexico to Arizona and N. Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The dried plant, combined with mullein (Verbascum species) has been smoked in the treatment of craziness and fits.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

The plant was collected by the Hopi Indians, dried and mixed with wild tobacco and used in rain-making ceremonies.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil and a position in full sun. Plants are hardy to about -15°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Onosmodium thurberi