Mount Atlas Daisy, Chamomile Spanish, Pellitory
Anacyclus pyrethrum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Red, White, Yellow Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Prostrate, Spreading or horizontal.
Anacyclus pyrethrum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Not known
Mediterranean - Spain, Morocco and Algeria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is a pungent acrid herb that stimulates the salivary glands and irritates the tissues, thereby increasing blood flow to the area. It is used externally to treat toothache, facial neuralgia and chronic catarrh. A gargle is used to soothe sore throats. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. In Ayurvedic medicine the root is considered to be tonic and is used in the treatment of paralysis and epilepsy. The diluted essential oil in the root is used in mouthwashes and to treat toothaches. This oil should not be used internally, except under professional supervision.
Acrid: Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Rock garden. Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Plants are intolerant of excessive wet, especially in the winter, and will do better if covered by a pane of glass in the winter. This species is hardy to at least -5°c, probably more if the ground is very well-drained. Special Features:Not North American native, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above.
Propagating it: Seed - requires about 3 weeks cold stratification. Germination is best at a temperature around 13 - 16°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of softwood in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist