|
| Menu list goes here |
Herbal Database Search ResultsBack to: Pathways Main Search Page For Metaphysical uses visit The Witchs Haven Crocosmia aurea
Physical CharacteristicsCorm growing to 1m by 0.5m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. We rate it 1/5 for edibility and 0/5 for medicinal use. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Habitats and Possible LocationsWoodland, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.Edible UsesColouring.A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers and used as a saffron substitute for colouring foods[61, 177, 183]. Medicinal UsesDisclaimerNone known Other UsesDye.None known Cultivation detailsA very easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost all soils other than very heavy clays or bogs[233], though it prefers a light rich sandy soil[1, 79] in full sun or light dappled shade[200, 233]. Another report says that it prefers a fairly shady position and plenty of moisture in the growing season[79].The corms are hardy to about -10° c[200] but in cold areas it is wise to lift them when the plants die down in the autumn, store them in a cool frost-free place over the winter and plant them out in the spring[1]. Make sure the corms do not dry out[1]. It is best to avoid lifting the corms if at all possible since the new corms seem to derive some nutrition from the old corms that have flowered[200]. Plants can divide quite freely when growing in a suitable location[233]. Although the fresh flowers have no perfume, when dried and immersed in warm water they release a scent like that of the saffron crocus[245]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. PropagationSeed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold greenhouse[1]. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 9 weeks at 20 - 25° c[164]. Stored seed can be sown in early spring in a greenhouse[164]. Sow the seed thinly so that the plants can be grown on undisturbed in their pot for the first year, but give the seedlings an occasional liquid feed to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. Once the plants are dormant in the autumn, pot up the bulbs putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another year or two in the greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant in the autumn.Division in spring as new growth commences[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring. Scent
SuppliersPlants For A Future is working with the following groups to try and make these plants easily available. Parts of the proceeds will be donated to so please mention us when ordering.
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look. Web References
References for the family Iridaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources. Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images. References[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951 [61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202 [79] Innes. C. The World of Iridaceae [90] Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books 1989 ISBN 0-330-30253-1 [164] Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990 [177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169 [183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 [200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 [233] Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990 ISBN 0 460 86048 8 [245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 Readers CommentsCrocosmia aureaPam Peirce (p.k.peirce@att.net) Wed Aug 21 17:07:23 2002
I have been researching this plant for a book. I know the general texts on economic botany say it is used as a dye and a saffron substitute, but I can find no evidence of its use as a saffron substitute. I know that the man who named it (Planchon) gave it its name because the dried flowers, soaked in water, smelled like saffron, but I can find no evidence that anyone ever used it for this purpose. Without more evidence, I have to assume that this use was suggested by the smell, but never became common. I did find one business in England that sells plants for dyers to grow as dye sources who sells this plant as a dye plant and says it has been used to dye silk.
Back to: Pathways Home page, Main Search Page Help Bibliography
Plant information taken from the
Plants For A Future -
Species Database.
Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
This page (UK)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pathways Home :: View Cart :: Shipping & Returns :: Contact Us :: Privacy Policy :: Philosophy :: The Witchs Haven |
|
We make no claims of magical effects or supernatural powers for any item in this catalog. In spite of legendary attributes or occult and craft tradition, such items are offered as curios only and beliefs concerning their magical effectiveness are related only for historical interest. |
|
|
& (c) 2007 