Hairy Rupture Wort
Herniaria hirsuta
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Herniaria hirsuta is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, 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.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Sandy ground.
Central and Southern Europe to Africa and Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of sore throats. The plant contains coumarins and saponins, which are toxic, and so it should be used with some caution.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating: 3
A good ground cover plant, allowing spring bulbs to grow through it. An aqueous extract of the plant is a hand cleanser, making the skin soft and supple.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Grows well in hot dry soils. Dislikes excessive moisture. Succeeds in very poor soils. Useful for covering rocks or as a carpet bedding, it makes a good ground cover for spring bulbs since they can grow through it easily.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist