Globeflower, Common Globeflower, European Globeflower
Trollius europaeus
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Trollius europaeus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Wet pastures, scrub and woods in mountain districts, especially near streams and avoiding acid soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, the Caucasus, Arctic America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
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.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Rock garden, Specimen. An easily grown plant, so long as the soil does not dry out. It requires a deep rich soil with plenty of moisture. Prefers a moist heavy soil. Does well in a bog garden. Likes shade but it succeeds in sun or partial shade. Hardy to at least -20°c. A polymorphic species, there are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Special Features:Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
The plant is mildly poisonous unless it is dried.