Dog's Mercury
Mercurialis perennis
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Pl. F5CB — Mercurialis perennis
Mercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennisMercurialis perennis
IOverview
Overview
Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean and central Europe, ranging from Albania to Ukraine and parts of Scandinavia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic to neutral conditions. This low-growing plant reaches heights of about 0.3 meters and is known for its edible properties, though specific details on culinary use are not provided here. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in various habitats across a wide geographic range, from the Balkans to northern Europe.
Quick answers
What is Dog's Mercury?
Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean and central Europe, ranging from Albania to Ukraine and parts of Scandinavia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dog's Mercury is a perennial plant that thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7. It requires partial shade to full sun, with a light requirement rating of 3/10. This plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-8. For propagation, it can be divided or grown from seeds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged for best results.
Light
3/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Dog's Mercury for the first time
8steps
Dog's Mercury is a low-maintenance perennial that can be easily grown by beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, quality soil, and Dog's Mercury plants or seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly into the pot, covering them lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide partial shade during hot summer months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage to maintain plant health and appearance, but avoid cutting into the main stem.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and not providing enough shade during hot weather are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeoilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Iran
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
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