Common Name:

General Information

Onosma setosa is a biennial to perennial plant producing a clump of one to several, much-branched stems and growing around 30 - 60cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - Ukraine, southeast Russia; Asia - Turkey, Iran, Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, western China (Xinjiang)

Habitat

Stony and clayey semi-deserts[]. Steppes, stony slopes[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial/Perennial
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Onosma setosa is native to semi-arid regions of the temperate zone and does not grow well in moister climates. It is a very cold-tolerant plant, however, and when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about 20°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[, ].

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 plant (most likely the root) is used to treat wounds, burns, dyspnea, hoarseness, haemorrhoids, abdominal aches, stomach ulcers and gynaecological problems[]. (As Onosma armeniaca)

The plant has been shown to possess antiulcer and antioxidative properties[].

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.