Scopolia, European scopolia
Scopolia carniolica

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

Scopolia carniolica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Moist rocky beech woods around 1000 metres. Damp stony places in hilly areas.

Europe - Austria, Hungary and Russia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The dried root is hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic. It causes a sleep that resembles normal sleep. The medicinal activity of this plant resembles belladonna (Atropa belladonna) but it is more narcotic. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach ache and manic-depressive states. A very toxic plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The root is harvested in the autumn and normally processed for extraction of the alkaloids which are used in the pharmaceutical industry. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Scopolia carniolica for liver & gallbladder complaints.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Hypnotic: Induces sleep.

Mydriatic: Dilates the pupils of the eyes.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a light, fertile, well-drained dry soil in a shady position. A very ornamental plant, it is occasionally cultivated for its medicinal uses.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed is best sown in the autumn. Germination is quick and easy. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant is probably fairly poisonous. The rhizomes contain potentially poisonous alkaloids that are similar to Atropa belladonna. Adverse effects include visual disturbances, heat build up due to lack of sweating. Micturition disorders may occur with overdose. Contraindicated in close angle glaucoma, prostatic adenoma with residual urine, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal obstructions and any state where increased anticholinergic activity is harmful .

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hyoscyamus chloranthus. Scopolina atropoides. Scopolina carniolica.