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Spring Pheasant's Eye
(Adonis vernalis)
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Hellebore, False
The Pheasant's Eye (Adonis autumnalis), a plant very
nearly allied to the Anemone, is sometimes found wild in England,
mostly in cornfields in Kent, but is often regarded as a mere garden
escape. Though generally only a cultivated species in this country,
it is common enough on the Continent.
It is a graceful plant, growing about a foot high, with finely
cut leaves and terminal flowers like small scarlet buttercups.
Its Latin name is derived from the ill-fated Adonis, from whose
blood it sprang, according to the Greek legends. 'Red Morocco' was
a somewhat strange old English name for this plant, also 'Rose-a-rubie'
and 'Red Mathes,' 'by which name,' says Gerard, 'it is called of
them that dwell where it groweth naturally and generally red camomill'
- the latter on account of the finely-cut leaves. It is now aptly
called Pheasant's Eye, on account of its brilliant little scarlet
and black blossoms.
Although named A. autumnalis, it blossoms throughout the
summer, commencing to flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August
and September. It is an annual, propagated by its seeds, which may
be sown at almost any season, but should always be sown where the
plant is to grow, because it does not bear transplanting. Any soil
will suit it: it blossoms more freely in the sunshine, but willalso
flourish in shade.
In olden days it was considered to have some medicinal value,
but is no longer used. Its near relative, A. vernalis (or
'Ox-eye'), though not officinal, is still regarded of medicinal
value, and is a perennial species, not a native of this country,
but common in central Europe, where its root is often used in the
place of Black Hellebore.
'A. vernalis is one of the brightest and most effective
of spring plants, known in many places as Sweet Vernal. It might
be said of this, as of the Daffodil, that it "takes the winds of
March with beauty," for often before the month is out it opens its
rich, golden Anemone-like cups to the sun, and when planted in profusion,
presents a glowing mass of colour. The plant is only about 9 inches
high, and its foliage is one of its beauties. It makes a good addition
to the rockery. Another species, A. amurensis, which is among
the earliest of all the flowers, for it comes into bloom in February
and March, is rather taller, and the foliage is more finely cut.
There is a double variety, flore pleno, with large, yellow
flowers. These plants will grow in any good garden soil, well drained
and not too heavy. They should have a sunny position, but should
not be allowed to suffer from drought during summer. They are quite
hardy, and if left undisturbed improve from year to year.'
A. vernalis contains a glucoside Adonidin and has an action
almost exactly like that of digitalin, but is much stronger and
is said not to be cumulative. It appears to be about ten times as
powerful as digitoxin. It has been prescribed instead of digitalis,
and sometimes succeeds where digitalis fails, especially where there
is kidney disease. It is, however, less certainly beneficial in
valvular disease than digitalis, and should be used only where digitalis
fails. It produces vomiting and diarrhoea more readily than digitalis.
It is given in the form of an infusion.
Other Names: Red Chamomile. Pheasant's
Eye. Adonis. Red Morocco. Rose-a-rubie. Red Mathes. Sweet Vernal.
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