Globeflower, Common Globeflower, European Globeflower

Trollius europaeus

Physical Characteristics

Trollius europaeus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, the Caucasus, Arctic America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Purgative Rubefacient Vitamin C The whole plant, but especially the root, is purgative and rubefacient when used fresh[4, 7]. The plant loses some or all of its medicinal properties if it is dried[4, 7]. It is used in Russia in the treatment of certain obscure maladies and has also been successfully used to treat a scorbutic case that was considered to be incurable[4]. It merits further investigation[4].

Known Hazards

The plant is mildly poisonous unless it is dried[7, 13, 19].