Status:
valid
Authors:
Boiss.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1849
Citation Micro:
Diagn. Pl. Orient. 8: 8 (1849)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000380669
Common Names
- Nigella stellaris
- Stellaris Nigella
- Stellaris
Synonyms
- Nigella cilicica Boiss. & Balansa [unknown]
Description
Nigella stellaris (also called Starry Love-in-a-Mist, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family. It is an annual herb with white, pink or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It grows in dry grasslands, meadows and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Nigella stellaris is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, inflammation, and urinary tract infections.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Nigella stellaris is a white or pale blue, five-petaled bloom with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, tear-shaped capsule. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Nigella stellaris is a hardy annual that is easy to propagate from seed. Sow the seeds directly into the soil in the spring, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall. Nigella stellaris prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Where to Find Nigella stellaris
Nigella stellaris is native to Europe and can be found growing in dry, sunny areas. It is also cultivated in gardens.
Nigella stellaris FAQ
What is the scientific name of Nigella stellaris?
Nigella stellaris
What is the common name of Nigella stellaris?
Star-shaped Nigella
What is the family of Nigella stellaris?
Ranunculaceae
Species in the Nigella genus
Nigella ciliaris,
Nigella carpatha,
Nigella degenii,
Nigella elata,
Nigella doerfleri,
Nigella deserti,
Nigella damascena,
Nigella arvensis,
Nigella bucharica,
Nigella fumariaefola,
Nigella unguicularis,
Nigella turcica,
Nigella stricta,
Nigella stellaris,
Nigella segetalis,
Nigella sativa,
Nigella hispanica,
Nigella integrifolia,
Nigella icarica,
Nigella gallica,
Nigella papillosa,
Nigella oxypetala,
Nigella orientalis,
Nigella lancifolia,
Nigella nigellastrum,
Nigella koyuncui,
Species in the Ranunculaceae family
Aconitum soyaense,
Aconitum abietetorum,
Aconitum acutiusculum,
Aconitum ajanense,
Aconitum alboflavidum,
Aconitum alboviolaceum,
Aconitum alpino-nepalense,
Aconitum ambiguum,
Aconitum amplexicaule,
Aconitum angulatum,
Aconitum angusticassidatum,
Aconitum angustifolium,
Aconitum anthora,
Aconitum apetalum,
Aconitum aquilonare,
Aconitum artemisiifolium,
Aconitum assamicum,
Aconitum atlanticum,
Aconitum austriacum,
Aconitum austrokoreense,
Aconitum axilliflorum,
Aconitum azumiense,
Aconitum baburinii,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum baicalense,
Aconitum bailangense,
Aconitum barbatum,
Aconitum baumgartenianum,
Aconitum berdaui,
Aconitum bhedingense,
Aconitum bicolor,
Aconitum biflorum,
Aconitum brachypodum,
Aconitum bracteolatum,
Aconitum brevicalcaratum,
Aconitum brevilimbum,
Aconitum brevipetalum,
Aconitum brunneum,
Aconitum bucovinense,
Aconitum bujbense,
Aconitum bulbilliferum,
Aconitum bulleyanum,
Aconitum burnatii,
Aconitum calthifolium,
Aconitum cammarum,
Aconitum campylorrhynchum,
Aconitum cannabifolium,
Aconitum carmichaelii,
Aconitum changianum,
Aconitum charkeviczii,