Throatwort (Trachelium caeruleum, Sp. Pl.: 171 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 171 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trachelium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Medit.

Description

Throatwort, scientifically known as Trachelium caeruleum, is a notable member of the Campanulaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant is recognized for its striking blue to violet flowers, which contribute to its popularity in ornamental horticulture.

First described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his pioneering work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, Throatwort has since captured the interest of both botanists and gardening enthusiasts. The plant is native to regions including Macaronesia and the western Mediterranean, where it thrives in mild, temperate climates.

The physical characteristics of Trachelium caeruleum include a robust, sprawling habit with lush, green foliage. Its leaves are typically lance-shaped with a finely serrated margin, providing a dense backdrop for its vibrant inflorescences. The flowers are borne in large, umbel-like clusters, each tiny bloom contributing to the overall visual impact of the plant.

One of the unique features of Throatwort is its long blooming period, extending from late spring through summer. This extended flowering time makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to maintain color and interest in their gardens across many months. Its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, further enhances its value in ornamental landscapes.

In cultivation, Throatwort prefers well-draining soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Furthermore, it can be easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, making it accessible for hobbyists and professional growers alike.

Beyond its ornamental use, Trachelium caeruleum has a bit of a historical footprint in traditional medicine, primarily within its native regions. While not extensively documented in modern pharmacopoeias, local traditions have occasionally utilized parts of the plant for their purported therapeutic properties, particularly in treating throat ailments, which is likely how it earned its common name.

To summarize, Throatwort is a plant of great ornamental merit and historical interest. Its vivid blossoms, ease of cultivation, and attractiveness to pollinators make it a valuable addition to many garden settings. Studied and appreciated since the 18th century, it continues to enchant and engage those who cultivate and encounter it.

Common Names

Eng: throatwort, blue throatwort
Fra: trachélium bleu
Spa: flor-de-viúva
Swe: sommarhalsört
Nld: halsbloem
Cym: llynclys, meillionen hirben
En: Throatwort, Blue throatwort, Throatword
Ca: Setge blau
Zh: 夕霧
Nl: Halsbloem
Fr: Trachélium bleu
De: Blaues Halskraut
It: Trachelio coltivato
Es: Flor-de-viúva, Alfileres, Flor de la viuda
Sv: Sommarhalsört
Zh-tw: 夕霧
Cy: Llynclys, Meillionen Hirben

Synonyms

• Trachelium caeruleum f. brevidentatum (Sennen & Mauricio)
• Trachelium caeruleum f. isabellinum (Voss)
• Trachelium caeruleum f. longiflorum (Sennen & Mauricio)
• Trachelium azureum (Gouan)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Italy (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Jacky Str. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Niha Tamuli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by carper ml (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 30, 2019 by Mark Whitcombe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Manuel Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by carper ml (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Mar Bautista (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Manuel Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 10, 1986 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2020 by chantal casanovas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Jacky Str. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by carper ml (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Moreno Ceano José (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 12, 2020 by Pascual Ignacio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by M G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by M.angeles Basurte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Cartagena David (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Denis Catala (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2016 by Gaetane Hennebert (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5407810)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:145511-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trachelium caeruleum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6