Common Name:

General Information

Onosma frutescens is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of numerous, unbranched erect to ascending stems that can grow up to 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

The bristly stems and leaves can cause a good deal of irritation to the skin[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Southeast Europe - Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Palestine

Habitat

Limestone slopes and rocks; at elevations up to 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Onosma frutescens is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating winter temperatures down to about -15°c[].
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[, ].
A very ornamental plant[].

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[].

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the root. It is an alkanna substitute[, ].

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[].