Common Name: Mezereon

General Information

Daphne mezereum is an erect, sparingly branched, deciduous shrub that can grow around 50 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is an officinal medicine in some countries, and is harvested from the wild for local use both as a medicine and a source of materials. The plant is highly valued as an ornamental, mainly due to its fragrant floral display[].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are highly toxic[, , , ]. Cases of poisoning have been recorded of children eating the beautiful red berries[].
Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people[, ].

Botanical References

, , ,

Range

Eurasia - Spain, Britain and Norway, east to western Siberia, Kazakhstan and Iran

Habitat

Shady, damp, voniferous and deciduous mixed woodlands, often on rich calcareous soils[, , , ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Daphne mezereum is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when fully dormant[, ].
A good sandy loam suits most members of this genus[]. Prefers a good heavy soil and some shade[, ]. Prefers a calcareous soil[, , ] and cool moist conditions[, ]. There is no evidence to suggest it requires a calcareous soil, but all members of this genus do well on acid soils[].
A very ornamental plant[].
Plants tend to be short-lived in cultivation, probably due to excessive seed bearing[, ].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[]. They also resent being cut and so should not be pruned unless it is essential[].
A good bee plant, providing a source of nectar very early in the year[]. The flowers have a delicious sweet perfume[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Mezereum has been used in the past for treating rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but because of its toxic nature it is no longer considered to be safe[].
The bark and bark preparations are used in officinal medicine in Russia, almost exclusively for external application as skin irritants and vesicants[].
The plant contains various toxic compounds, including 'daphnetoxin' and the yellow-brown resin 'mezerein', and these are currently being investigated (1995) for their anti-leukaemia effects[, , ].

The bark is cathartic, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, stimulant and vesicant[, , , , ]. The root bark is the most active medically, but the stem bark is also used[]. It has been used in an ointment to induce discharge in indolent ulcers[] and also has a beneficial effect upon rheumatic joints[].
The bark is not usually taken internally and even when used externally this should be done with extreme caution and not applied if the skin is broken[, , ].
The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[]. The bark for medicinal purposes is prepared in mid winter. It is stripped off the stems and turned inside out for drying[].

The dried fruits have sometimes been used as a purgative[, ].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[]. It is used in the treatment of various skin complaints and inflammations[, ].

Other Uses

A yellow to greenish-brown dye is obtained from the leaves, fruit and bark[].

Bast from the branches is sometimes used in wicker work[].

The seed contains up to 31% of a fatty oil[]. No further details are given.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place[]. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Layering.