Cyclamen, Alpine Violet, Persian Violet

Cyclamen hederifolium

Physical Characteristics

Cyclamen hederifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from October to June, in flower from July to November, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Homeopathy Purgative The fresh rootstock is a drastic purgative. It should be used with extreme caution[4, 21, 46]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root[4]. It is applied externally to the bowels to cause purging[4].

Known Hazards

Poisonous.