Convolvulus scammonia aka Scammony

Convolvulus scammonia, known as scammony, belongs to the bindweed family, Convolvulaceae. It is a perennial from the eastern Mediterranean to Iraq. Its recorded range includes Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. It also reaches Sinai and Ukraine, including Crimea. Kew places it in a subtropical climate zone. It grows in scrub and along forest edges. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] in height. Below ground, its root can reach 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. This deep root makes soil depth worth considering when planting. The supplied species account gives no spread measurement. Flowers appear in July, and seeds ripen in September. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile.

Choose a sunny, sheltered site rather than a shaded spot. A bright woodland edge fits its stated garden use. It favours light soil that drains freely. Sandy and loamy soils both suit it. Ordinary garden soil can also support growth. Low to medium fertility suits this species, including poor soil. It accepts neutral to mildly alkaline conditions and favours alkaline ground. It thrives in dry soil but also accepts moist soil. PFAF lists its USDA hardiness range as zones 6–9.

Seeds offer one way to raise new plants. Sow them under glass in spring. Germination may take time and can be uneven. A spell of cold treatment may help seeds sprout sooner. Move seedlings into separate pots once they can be handled. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after frost risk passes. Spring division offers another means of propagation. Young-shoot cuttings can also root in sand under a frame in August.

PFAF records no food use and gives edibility a zero rating. Its root yields a resin with historical medicinal use. Cut roots release juice that hardens into this resin. The roots contain about eight percent resin. It acts as a strong purgative and can cause watery bowel movements. The source warns that its use demands great caution. This medicinal record does not establish that the plant is safe to eat. PFAF lists no other uses and flags no weed potential.