Datisca cannabina aka Akalbir

Datisca cannabina is a tall perennial in the Datiscaceae family. Gardeners also know it as Cretan hemp, Acalbir, or Akalbir. Its native range runs from the eastern Mediterranean to the central Himalaya. This includes parts of western and central Asia. It also grows in Crete and the western Himalayan region. In the wild, it grows beside streams in rich alluvial soil. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant forms a leafy clump with upright stems. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall and wide. The stems can rise above 6.5 feet [2 metres]. Bright green leaves give the plant an ash-like look. The stem tips bend over as they bear flowers. In summer, small greenish-white blooms hang in long tassels. These drooping flowers contrast with the upright lower stems. The plant loses its leaves for winter. It takes about two to five years to reach full size.

Give it fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. It grows in full sun or partial shade. The RHS lists both clay and loam as suitable soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Choose a sheltered place with room for its broad clump. Its size makes space an important part of siting. The RHS rates it H4 for UK conditions. This covers minimum temperatures of about 14–23°F [-10 to -5°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10.

Use it in beds, borders, or an informal cottage garden. Plants For A Future also lists meadow plantings as suitable. Its height and hanging flowers give these plantings a distinct form. Cut the stems down when the growing season ends. Raise new plants from seed, or divide clumps in spring. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Plants For A Future records no known edible uses. It also lists no known hazards. That report does not establish that eating the plant is safe. Leaves, roots, and stems can provide a yellow dye. The same source records traditional medicinal uses for several parts. These include leaves and flowering stems for fever and purging. It also records root use for rheumatism and decayed teeth. These are historical uses, not advice for home treatment.