Common Name: Cineraria

General Information

Jacobaea maritima is an evergreen perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and persist; it can grow up to 60cm tall and wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its attractive foliage, and can be grown as a dwarf hedge.

Known Hazards

The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are highly toxic to the liver, so the plant should not be used internally[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Mediterranean region - Portugal, Spain France, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Maritime cliffs in S.W. England[], mainly on limestone[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.60 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Jacobaea maritima is native to semi-arid and mediterranean climates and is not very cold-hardy. It can tolerate occasonal temperatures down to about -10°c[, ].
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils[]. Requires a well-drained sandy soil[]. Established plants are drought resistant[]. Plants are fairly tolerant of maritime exposure[].
A very ornamental plant.
Plants quickly become straggly if unpruned and also tend to be fairly short-lived and are best replaced every few years.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fresh juice of the leaves is ophthalmic. Applied to the eyes it has a mildly irritating effect that increases blood flow to the area, helping to strengthen resistance and clear away infections[]. One or two drops put into the eyes is said to be of use in removing cataracts and also in the treatment of conjunctivitis[, , , ]. This remedy should only be used under the supervision of a trained practitioner[].

The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are highly toxic to the liver so the plant should not be used internally[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is very tolerant of maritime exposure and can be grown as a dwarf windbreak hedge. It is fairly slow growing, though, and apt to be short-lived[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Overwinter in a cold frame and plant out in late spring.
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a greenhouse.
Division in spring.