Common Name: Shrubby Hare's Ear

General Information

Bupleurum fruticosum is an evergreen shrub with long upright, rather densely leafy branches; it can grow up to 3 metres tall[].
The plant is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a low hedge or ground cover. It has other potential uses - in medicine and as a source of essential oils

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. Europe to N. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[].

Habitat

Sunny hills, walls and rocky places.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wasps
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Bupleurum fruticosum is not very hardy outside the milder regions of the temperate zone - established plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°c[, ] if the soil is well drained[]. The plant succeeds when grown against a wall at Kew Botanic gardens (London, hardiness zone 7 - 8)[] and grows very well in the mild maritime climate of S.W. England[].
Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained, doing well on chalk[, , ]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[, , ] but will require staking at first if planted in an exposed area unless planted out whilst still very small[]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates light shade[].
A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to wasps[]. Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be pruned right down to the ground if required[].
When bruised, the leaves release a pungent smell[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

According to the Flora of China[] there are around 180 accepted species of Bupleurum (as of 2013) of which 42 species (22 of them endemic) are found in China. Most, if not all of these Chinese species are used medicinally, with two of them (Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium being some of the most important and widely used herbs in Chinese Herbal medicine[].
Other species in the genus also have medicinal potential. The roots of Bupleurum species in general contain a range of medicinally active compounds including saponins, sterols, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides and essential oils[].
Traditionally the root is used to regulate the metabolism, for the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation associated with influenza and the common cold. In addition, Bupleurum species are also used as analgesics in the treatment of distending pain in the hypochondriac region of the upper abdomen and against amenorrhoea. Many Bupleuri extracts have been used for improvement and protection against chronic hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome and autoimmune diseases[].
Recorded below are the specific medicinal uses we have come across for this species. Many of the Bupleurum species not included in the database are likely to also have a range of potential applications[].

The fruits are used as a cure for rabies[].

Agroforestry Uses:

This species makes a very good wind-shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions, though it is slow growing[, ].
Plants can be used as a tall ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way[].

Other Uses

Depending on the seasons, different parts of the plant yield from 0.5 - 4.4% essential oil containing limonene and terpene compounds, |3-phellandrene, cumic aldehyde, bupleurol (C10H20O)[].
The flowering tops from the Crimea yield 0.89% essential oil[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 12cm long, mid summer in a frame. High percentage[].