Common Dracunculus
Dracunculus vulgaris
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Corse, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, NW. Balkan Pen., Puerto Rico, Sardegna, Sicilia, Türkiye
H. Zell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Araceae
- Genus:
- Dracunculus
- Species:
- Dracunculus vulgaris
- USDA Symbol:
- DRVU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, maroon
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- flies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky and shaded areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require warm period followed by cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and slow.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Pulpy coat inhibits germination. Remove by soaking and rinsing in clean water for approximately 7 days. Discard water. * keep seeds warm and maintain humidity. Some will germinate in 2 weeks, others may not germinate till following warm season.