Mezereon, Paradise plant, February Daphne
Daphne mezereum
Family: Thymelaeaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.
Daphne mezereum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Damp deciduous mixed woodlands and on rich calcareous soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Spain, east to Macedonia and temperate Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 2
Mezereum has been used in the past for treating rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but because of its toxic nature it is no longer considered to be safe. The plant contains various toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, and these are currently being investigated (1995) for their anti-leukaemia effects. The bark is cathartic, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, stimulant and vesicant. The root bark is the most active medically, but the stem bark is also used. It has been used in an ointment to induce discharge in indolent ulcers and also has a beneficial effect upon rheumatic joints. The bark is not usually taken internally and even when used externally this should be done with extreme caution and not applied if the skin is broken. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The fruits have sometimes been used as a purgative. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of various skin complaints and inflammations.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antiseborrheic: Used in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Vesicant: A blistering agent.
Other
Rating: 2
A yellow to greenish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves, fruit and bark. The seed contains up to 31% of a fatty oil. No further details are given.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Foundation, Specimen. A good sandy loam suits most members of this genus. Prefers a good heavy soil and some shade. Prefers a calcareous soil and cool moist conditions. There is no evidence to suggest it requires a calcareous soil, but all members of this genus do well on acid soils. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -30°c. Plants tend to be short-lived in cultivation, probably due to excessive seed bearing. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible. They also resent being cut and so should not be pruned unless it is essential. A good bee plant, providing a source of nectar very early in the year. The flowers have a delicious sweet perfume. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are highly toxic. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people.