Knawel, German knotgrass
Scleranthus annuus
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Scleranthus annuus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to 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) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry sandy and gravelly places, and in cultivated and waste ground in sandy soils, avoiding calcareous soils.
Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Uncertainty', 'Indecision', 'Hesitancy' and 'Unbalance'.
Bach: Plants used in the Bach flower remedies.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Plants are calcifuge. A very variable plant.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ in the spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist