Field Eryngo

Eryngium campestre

Physical Characteristics

Eryngium campestre is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central and southern Europe, including Britain, from N. Germany to N. Africa and Afghanistan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute[105, 177, 183]. Root - cooked. Used as a vegetable or candied and used as a sweetmeat[46, 183]. Easily digested[7, 61].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Aromatic Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Galactofuge Stimulant The root is antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, galactofuge and stimulant[4, 7]. It should be harvested in the autumn from plants that are at least 2 years old[4]. The root promotes free expectoration and is very useful in the treatment of debility attendant on coughs of chronic standing in the advanced stages of pulmonary consumption[4]. Drunk freely it is used to treat whooping cough, diseases of the liver and kidneys and skin complaints[4, 238].

Known Hazards

None known