Tassel Hyacinth, Tassel grape hyacinth
Muscari comosum

Family: Hyacinthaceae

What it is like

Muscari comosum is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Hedgerows, edges of fields, woods and in short grass on dry soils.

Europe. A frequent casual, rarely naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Bulb - cooked. It is about 35mm in diameter. A slightly bitter taste that is appreciated by certain ethnic groups, especially Greeks and Italians. Used in spring. The cooked bulbs, preserved in oil, are used as a relish.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The bulb is appetizer and diuretic. The bulb is rich in mucilage and can be crushed then applied as a poultice to reddened skin.

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 2

Landscape Uses: Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen, forest garden.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a rich open well-drained soil. Succeeds in any soil and situation. Does very well in short grass, increasing freely and it can become invasive. The flowers have a pleasing perfume. There is at least one named form, selected for its ornamental value.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a greenhouse. The seed can also be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. A good proportion of the seed usually germinates within 2 - 3 months. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be left undisturbed in the pot for their first year of growth. Give them an occasional liquid feed in the growing season to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. When the plants become dormant in late summer, pot up the small bulbs placing 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another one or two years in the greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant in late summer. If you have sufficient seed then it is worthwhile trying sowing it in situ outdoors in early spring. This is rather a hit and miss method, but a lot less work than indoor sowing. Division of offsets in July/August after the leaves die down. It can be done every other year if a quick increase is required. Larger bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, but it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on in a cold frame for a year before planting them out when they are dormant in late summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Lawn; Hedgerow;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hyacinthus comosum. Leopoldia comosa.