Stavesacre
Delphinium staphisagria
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Delphinium staphisagria is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Field verges and in scrub, on hot dry soils. Often found in poor soils.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Stavesacre is a very poisonous plant that is rarely used in modern herbal medicine. The seed is antispasmodic, cathartic, emetic and vermifuge. The seeds cause a strong salivation if they are chewed and have been used in the treatment of toothache and other painful conditions of the throat and gums. They are so strongly emetic and cathartic, however, that they are rarely used internally. Externally, a decoction is used to treat itchy skin and parasites4]. The seed is very poisonous and should be used with great caution. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of warts, lice and itches. A homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds. This is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including toothache, injuries and headache.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Warts: Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.
Other
Rating: 2
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only. The seed is used to make a potent insecticide, parasiticide and to destroy vermin. It is used to kill head lice.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils and situations but prefers a rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil and is intolerant of winter-wet soils. Requires an open sunny position. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March in a cold frame or April outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place. Seed can also be sown either in a cold frame or in situ as soon as it is ripe in mid to late summer, though seedlings from the outdoor sowing can be killed in cold winters. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant contain diterpene alkaloids and are highly toxic. The plant is most toxic when it is young. Ingestion of a lethal dose produces a feeling of excitement, followed by depression and extreme sensitivity of the nerves, followed by paralysis, a slowing of the pulse and finally death by asphyxia.