Annual Mercury
Mercurialis annuafam. Euphorbiaceae
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Pl. 9D09 — Mercurialis annua
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IOverview
Overview
Annual Mercury, scientifically known as Mercurialis annua, is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in moist conditions and grows to about half a meter tall. Native to regions across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, it can be found from Albania to Ukraine and beyond. This plant is notable for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to certain culinary practices. Its adaptability to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and its preference for a slightly alkaline pH of 7–7.5 make it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to cultivate this unique species.
Quick answers
What is Annual Mercury?
Annual Mercury, scientifically known as Mercurialis annua, is a light-loving annual forb or herb that thrives in moist conditions and grows to about half a meter tall. Native to regions across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, it can be found from Albania to Ukraine and beyond.
What is Annual Mercury used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Annual Mercury
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Annual Mercury has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues, such as bloating and indigestion. A decoction of the leaves may help alleviate these symptoms.
The mechanism by which Annual Mercury supports digestion is not fully characterised but it likely involves compounds that aid in reducing inflammation or promoting gut motility.
- Annual Mercury has been traditionally used to support the immune system, particularly in times of seasonal stress. A tea made from its leaves may help maintain overall health.
The mechanism by which Annual Mercury supports the immune system is not fully characterised but it likely involves compounds that have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Annual Mercury thrives in light to medium soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay. This plant requires full sun to partial shade. Given its annual nature, it will grow up to 0.5 meters tall. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest the leaves for culinary use throughout the growing season.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Annual Mercury for the first time
8steps
Annual Mercury is a straightforward annual herb for beginners to grow.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside, or direct sow in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage and prevent the plant from going to seed too early.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune for shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqPalestine
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Euphorbiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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