Gratiola officinalis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
<NEW FOR 2000!>
Herbaceous perennial. Widely dispersed through temperate Europe,
Asia and North America. This pretty plant has a creping rootstock,
and does well in moist places such as streambanks and meadows. It
is a bitter liver stimulant and diuretic, a largely historical medicine
once used for treatment of dropsy, jaundice and as a vermifuge. Overdosage
will cause drastic purging! Cultivation: Easy.
Sow in spring or early summer. Press small seed into surface of soil
and keep moist. Germinates within four weeks of sowing. Space
plants 6 inches apart. Flowers pink, to 10 inches tall
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