Cruciata laevipes - Crosswort

Family:	Rubiaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:	Galium cruciata.
Range:	Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands to Poland, south to S. Europe, W. Asia and Siberia.

Cruciata laevipes (Crosswort) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 2.
Crosswort will flower in November to December. the seeds ripen from December to January
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies

Soil Information

Crosswort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Crosswort prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Crosswort can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Open woodland, scrub, hedges, waysides and pastures, especially on calcareous soils[17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200]. The flowers have a sweet powerful perfume[245].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[62].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The herb is astringent, diuretic and vulnerary[4]. It is not much used nowadays, but was considered a very good wound herb for both external and internal use[4]. A decoction of the leaves has also been used to treat obstructions of the stomach and bowels, to stimulate the appetite and as a remedy for rheumatism, rupture and dropsy[4]. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries[238]. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238].

• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Appetizer - Improves the appetite
• Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. Division in spring or throughout the growing season if the plants are kept well watered[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Scented parts of the plants

Flowers : Fresh

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the root[168, 172].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

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