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Small Hare's-ear

Bupleurum baldense

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, gardens, grassland, mountains, sea cliffs, seaside.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
The flowers appear in very small umbels and are usually hidden by their upper bracts. The leafy upper bracts are brownish and sharply pointed.
Fruit:
The fruits are egg-shaped.
Leaves:
An annual flower, usually hard to notice in the short turf. The leaves are small and slender, soon dying back. Grows on limy turf.
Other Names:
Bupleurum Baldense, Narrow Hare's-Ear.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Bupleurum baldense, also known as Bupleurum baldense, is a species of perennial herb in the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically in the eastern Mediterranean, including the Eastern Aegean, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus. It is typically found in rocky or stony habitats, such as hillsides and cliffs. It is a woody perennial that forms a small bush and can reach up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are pinnate and the plant produces small, yellow or greenish flowers in umbels. These flowers bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant is not commonly cultivated and it is not widely known. However, it has been traditionally used in herbal medicine as a diuretic, expectorant, and to promote sweating. It is also used to make a yellow dye.

Blog

Small Hare's-ear, also known by its scientific name Bupleurum baldense, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is a small herbaceous perennial that is native to the Pyrenees mountains, located in the southwestern part of Europe. The plant has been known to grow up to 30 centimeters tall and it blooms with small yellow flowers during the months of June and July.

Small Hare's-ear is a plant that has a number of uses, both medicinally and in cooking. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headache, and respiratory infections. The plant contains a number of compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and it has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions.

In cooking, the young leaves of Small Hare's-ear can be used as a salad green or cooked like spinach. The plant has a slightly bitter taste and is often used as a flavoring in soups and stews. The roots of the plant can also be used in cooking, and are often boiled and then pickled for use in salads and other dishes.

Small Hare's-ear is a plant that is well-adapted to growing in rocky, alpine environments. It prefers soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic, and it is often found growing in meadows, on rocky slopes, and along the edges of forests. The plant is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it an ideal plant for gardeners who live in colder climates.

In terms of conservation status, Small Hare's-ear is considered to be a rare and endangered species. The plant is threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural development and logging, as well as by the collection of the plant for use in traditional medicine. In some areas, efforts are underway to protect the plant and its habitat, and to promote sustainable harvesting practices.

Small Hare's-ear is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In Chinese traditional medicine, the plant is known as Chai Hu and is used to treat a variety of conditions including fever, liver disease, and respiratory infections. It is believed that the plant contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the liver.

Small Hare's-ear has also been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment. Researchers have identified a number of compounds in the plant that have anti-cancer properties, including the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. While more research is needed in this area, the plant shows promise as a potential treatment for a variety of cancers.

The plant has also been used in traditional spiritual practices. In some cultures, it is believed that Small Hare's-ear can help to protect against evil spirits and negative energy. The plant is sometimes burned as incense, or used in ritual baths to cleanse the body and mind.

In terms of cultivation, Small Hare's-ear is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location, but can tolerate some shade. The plant is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. It is often grown as an ornamental plant, both for its attractive foliage and its delicate yellow flowers.

Small Hare's-ear is a fascinating plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine, cooking, and spiritual practices. While it faces a number of challenges in terms of conservation and habitat loss, efforts are underway to protect this species and ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come. As more research is conducted on the plant's potential health benefits, it may become an even more important plant for both traditional and modern medicine.

Small Hare's-ear has also been studied for its potential as an herbal remedy for anxiety and depression. Researchers have found that the plant contains compounds that can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood. This may be due to the plant's ability to regulate the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Additionally, Small Hare's-ear is a plant that is important to the ecosystem. It is a source of food for a variety of insects and other animals, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The plant also helps to prevent soil erosion and provides important habitat for small animals.

Unfortunately, Small Hare's-ear is facing a number of threats. Habitat loss, due to development and logging, is one of the biggest threats to the plant's survival. Additionally, the collection of the plant for use in traditional medicine can also be a threat to its survival, especially if harvesting practices are not sustainable.

Efforts are underway to protect Small Hare's-ear and its habitat. In some areas, protected areas have been established to conserve the plant and other important species. Additionally, sustainable harvesting practices are being promoted to ensure that the plant can continue to be used for traditional medicine without causing harm to the plant or its ecosystem.

In conclusion, Small Hare's-ear is a plant with a fascinating history and a wide range of potential uses. While it faces a number of challenges, efforts are underway to protect and conserve the plant and ensure that it continues to be an important part of both traditional and modern medicine. As more research is conducted on the plant's potential health benefits, it may become an even more important plant for human health and well-being.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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