Rupture Wort, Smooth rupturewort

Herniaria glabra

Physical Characteristics

Herniaria glabra is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and temperate Asia.

Habitats

Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Diuretic Expectorant The whole plant, gathered when in flower, is astringent, very actively diuretic and expectorant[4, 9, 61, 240, 254]. It appears to have an antispasmodic effect upon the bladder and is used in the treatment of dropsy, catarrh of the bladder, cystitis and kidney stones[240, 254]. It has also gained a reputation for treating hernias[4, 9, 61]. Externally, it has been used as a poultice to speed the healing of ulcers[254].

Known Hazards

None known