Onosma
Onosma echioides
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Onosma echioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Limestone slopes and rocks to 1600 metres. Crevices in rocks and cliffs.
S. Europe to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are alterative. They are made into a powder and given to children as a purgative. The flowers are used as a cordial and stimulant in the treatment of rheumatism and palpitations of the heart. The root is bruised and used as an external application to skin eruptions.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
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.
Other
Rating: 1
A red dye is obtained from the root. It is an alkanna substitute.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam. Best grown in a crevice in a rock garden or on a wall. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but disliking winter wet. Plants also dislike wet summers. Hardy to about -15°c. There is some confusion over this species. It is given as a part of O. frutescens in some reports but gives it specific status. A very ornamental plant.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin.