Contents
Description
Mercurialis Perennis, also known as Dog’s Mercury, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Europe and can be found growing in shaded areas such as woodland, hedgerows, and banks. This plant can grow up to 40cm tall and blooms from March to May. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and unisex.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Mercurialis |
Appearance
The leaves of Mercurialis Perennis are alternate, oval-shaped, and toothed. They are dark green and have a glossy texture. The stem is smooth and green. This plant does not have any particular scent. Mercurialis Perennis produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are unisex. The fruit is a capsule that contains small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Mercurialis Perennis is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant grows best in partial to full shade. It can be propagated through seed or division. The following care guide can help you maintain a healthy Mercurialis Perennis plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Mercurialis Perennis prefers partial to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mercurialis Perennis is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide spray. Slugs and snails may also feed on the leaves of this plant. They can be controlled with a slug bait or by handpicking.
Habitat
Mercurialis Perennis is native to Europe and can be found growing in shaded areas such as woodland, hedgerows, and banks. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. This plant can tolerate a range of soil types and is highly adaptable.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mercurialis Perennis toxic?
A: Yes, all parts of Mercurialis Perennis are toxic if ingested. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Q: Can Mercurialis Perennis be grown indoors?
A: No, Mercurialis Perennis prefers partial to full shade and is best grown outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mercurialis Perennis?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and repeat every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Mercurialis Perennis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mercurialis Perennis can be grown in containers as long as the soil is moist and well-draining.
Related Plants
- Mercurialis annua
- Mercurialis ovata
- Mercurialis tomentosa
References
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Mercurialis perennis. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11352/Mercurialis-perennis/Details
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Mercurialis perennis. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c646
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Mercurialis perennis. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dogs-mercury-mercurialis-perennis/
