Common Name:

General Information

Onosma argentata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; the erect, unbranched stems are around 20 - 30cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - eastern Turkey

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position in a well-drained soil[, ]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but dislikes moist climates at any time of the year[, ]. Species in this genus tend to grow well in crevices in a rock garden or on a wall[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Species in the genus Onosma L. generally have been shown to contain several medically-active compounds including alkannin and shikonin, flavonoids, ferulic and vanillic acids. A study has shown that these phytochemicals have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pain activity and that they are also ikely to be responsible for the wound healing and antibacterial actions[].

The root is applied topically as a healing poultice for wounds and burns[, ].

Extracts of the plant have shown high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities[, ].
The wound healing activities of the roots might be partly due to an additive effect of the shikonin derivatives[].
The root extracthas been shown to have spasmolytic and antipyretic activity[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer.
Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[].