Stavesacre

Delphinium staphisagria

Physical Characteristics

Delphinium staphisagria is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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 moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Cathartic Emetic Homeopathy Odontalgic Parasiticide Sialagogue Vermifuge Warts Stavesacre is a very poisonous plant that is rarely used in modern herbal medicine[238]. The seed is antispasmodic, cathartic, emetic and vermifuge[4, 44]. The seeds cause a strong salivation if they are chewed and have been used in the treatment of toothache and other painful conditions of the throat and gums[232]. They are so strongly emetic and cathartic, however, that they are rarely used internally[4]. Externally, a decoction is used to treat itchy skin and parasites4]. The seed is very poisonous and should be used with great caution[4]. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of warts, lice and itches[232]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds[232]. This is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including toothache, injuries and headache[232].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant contain diterpene alkaloids and are highly toxic[4, 148, 238]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[200]. Ingestion of a lethal dose produces a feeling of excitement, followed by depression and extreme sensitivity of the nerves, followed by paralysis, a slowing of the pulse and finally death by asphyxia[232].