Common Name: Scorpion Senna

General Information

Hippocrepis emerus is an evergreen shrub usually growing 2 - 3 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a dye. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its long flowering season.

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, some members of the genus are poisonous[, , , ] and so some caution is advised.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central and southern Europe - Germany to Spain, east to Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, Caucasus, Syria; N. Africa - Tunisia, Libya

Habitat

An understorey shrub in thin woodland and rocky places in limestone hills[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.40 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hippocrepis emerus is native to the temperate and Mediterranean climates of southern Europe and northern Africa. It is fairly cold-hardy, able to tolerate short periods down to around -20°c if growing in a well-drained soil and sheltered from cold winds[, ].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[], preferring a moderately rich loamy soil[, , ].
Plants can be pruned almost back to the base if required, they usually resprout freely[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are cardiac and diuretic[].

Other Uses

A dye is obtained from the leaves[]. No more details.

Propagation

Seed - scarify and then pre-soak the seed for 1 - 2 hours in warm water[]. A period of cold stratification is also said to be helpful[]. Sow the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place in 4 - 6 weeks at 15°c[]. Pot up the seedlings as soon as possible into individual pots and plant them out in the following spring[].
Cuttings of greenwood, early summer in a frame with bottom heat[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Cuttings of nearly mature side shoots, firm at the base and 7 - 10cm long with a heel, autumn in a frame. Plants are well rooted after 12 months. Good percentage[].