Common Name: |
Greek Valerian |
Other Names: |
Jacob's Ladder, Charity |
Botanical Name: |
Polemonium caeruleum |
Genus: |
Polemonium |
Family: |
Polemoniaceae |
Native Location: |
N and C Europe, N Asia |
Cultivation: |
Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Polemonium caeruleum tolerates alkaline conditions; P. reptans prefers rich soil. Cut back flower stems to base after flowering, unless seed is required. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division in spring. Cultivars may not come true from seed. Polemonium caeruleum may self-seed excessively in optimum conditions. |
Harvest: |
Plants (P. caeruleum) are cut in summer for infusions. Rhizomes (P. reptans) are lifted in winter and dried for use in decoctions and tinctures. |
Variations: |
f. album syn. Album Has white flowers. |
Blanjou syn. Brise d´Anjou Has white-variegated leaves. |
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Height: |
30-90cm (12-36in) |
Width: |
30cm (12in) |
Hardiness: |
Z3-9 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant. |
Properties: |
A slightly bitter, odorless, astringent herb that increases perspiration. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Formerly used internally for a range of conditions, from headaches to fevers and epilepsy. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pps. 325-326
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