Fumaria officinale Fumitory (Fumariaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Fumaria officinale
Fumitory
(1 Page of 5)

The Fumaria officinale plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Fumariaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fumitory.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fumaria officinale
Common Name:  Fumitory
Family:  Fumariaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Arable land and as a weed in gardens, usually on lighter soils[9, 17]. It is also found growing on old walls[244].

Medicinal Information: Fumitory has been highly valued since at least Roman times for its tonic and blood cleansing effect upon the body[244]. It is particularly valuable in the treatment of all visceral obstructions, particularly those of the liver, in scorbutic affections and in troublesome eruptive diseases of the skin, especially eczema (for which it can be taken internally and externally)[4, 9, 238]. The herb is antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, slightly diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, laxative and weakly tonic[4, 9, 21, 165, 240]. The plant is harvested as flowering begins in the summer and can be used fresh or can be dried for later use[9, 238]. Some caution should be exercised in the use of this herb since excess doses cause hypnotic and sedative effects, especially if it is taken for more than about 8 days[238, 244].

For further Fumaria officinale gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future