Datisca cannabina
(Cretan Hemp)
Family - Datiscaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Mediterranean to Himalayas
Year of Introduction - 1739
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H4
Height - 2m
Width - 1m or more
Location - The Cool Garden
Description: A herbaceous Perennial with a bushy, clump-forming habit and tall stems that arch at the tips. Bright mid-green, pinnate leaves have narrow lanceolate leaflets with coarsely toothed margins. The foliage resembles that of the cannabis plant (hence the species name). Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants (Dioecious). The flowers are small, with no petals and are a pale shade of yellowish-green. The flowers are held in pendent, tassel-like Racemes at the tips of the stems and are produced in early autumn. The flowers on female plants may be followed by green seed (if both male and female plants are present). This plant is generally grown for the attractive foliage.
Flower:
Dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on separate plants). Small apetalous flowers are a pale shade of yellowish-green. The flowers are held in pendent racemes and are produced in September. Female flowers may be followed by green seeds.
Flower colour: Green
Flower shape: Small apetalous flowers in racemes
Flowering time: September
Foliage:
Bright mid-green, pinnate leaves have narrow lanceolate leaflets with Dentate margins. The leaves are Alternately arranged on tall, upright stems that arch at the tips.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Pinnate with lanceolate leaflets
Propagation:
Division, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.