Kenilworth Ivy
Cymbalaria muralis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

Cymbalaria muralis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Walls and other well-drained sites, shady rocks and woods, usually on calcareous soils.

S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw. The leaves have been used in salads, being acrid and pungent like cress. We find them rather bitter and not very pleasant, though they are available all year round and so might be useful in the winter. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The herb is antiscorbutic and vulnerary. It is used externally as a poultice on fresh wounds to stop the bleeding. There are reports that it has been used with success in India for the treatment of diabetes.

Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 1

A clear yellow dye is obtained from the flowers, though it is not very permanent.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Prefers a moderately good soil and some shade. Plants usually self-sow freely and can be invasive, especially when grown on old walls. They succeed both on dry-stone walls and on old mortared walls.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow March to June in a cold frame and do not exclude light. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in late spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant might be slightly toxic

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Linaria cymbalaria.