Fairybells

Disporum trachycarpum

Physical Characteristics

Disporum trachycarpum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to N.E. Oregon and south along the Rockies.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[105, 161, 177, 257]. A sweet flavour[212]. The fruit is up to 10mm in diameter and is leathery rather than pulpy[235].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic Poultice The seed has been used to clear foreign objects from the eye. A fresh seed was inserted and the eye closed then rubbed until the seed was watered out with the foreign object clinging to it[257]. The seeds were also placed in the eye overnight and an infusion of the bark used as an eyewash to treat snow-blindness[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash for wounds whilst a poultice of the dampened bruised leaves has been applied to bleeding wounds[257].

Known Hazards

None known