The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Stavesacre

General Information

Delphinium staphisagria is a Biennial/Perennial up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

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[].

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitat

Field verges and in scrub, on hot dry soils[]. Often found in poor soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial/Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

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[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame or mid spring 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[].