Daphne laureola 

'Spurge Laurel'

[Ex. Co. Durham, 50 m., England]

Thymelaeaceae: a poisonous evergreen shrub growing to 1 m. Found in woodland, mainly on calcareous soils. The flowers are inconspicuous and yellow-green, but highly scented, blooming from February – April. The flowers are followed by black berries, which are poisonous to humans but not to birds, present from late summer. The leaves are alternate, usually form dense whorls at the shoot tips, but may clothe entire branches, they are glabrous (smooth), dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter in colour beneath. Native to Western and southern Europe, from Britain and Belgium to Spain and Macedonia, North Africa, and Western Asia.

USES:

The leaves have been used as an emmenagogue, though they can cause purging and vomiting. The plant contains various toxic compounds and these are currently being investigated for anti-leukaemia effects.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Seeds are best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts.

Plants prefer a moist soil and a position in semi-shade, growing well in woodlands. Plants can be found growing in dense shade in the wild. Flowers are produced towards the ends of the previous year's growth and are sweetly scented. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 20 SEEDS