How was earth smoke used?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

August 5, 2002

killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~

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"According to the ancient exorcists, when the plant is burned, its smoke has the power of expelling evil spirits....There is a legend that the plant was produced, not from seed, but from vapours arising out of the earth." (Mrs. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 1931).

When fumitory (Fumaria officinalis Linnaeus) is
freshly uprooted the roots give off a smoky smell.
Fumitory or Earth Smoke or Wax Dolls Giclee Print
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When fumitory (Fumaria officinalis Linnaeus) is freshly uprooted the roots give off a smoky smell. In ancient Greece the plant was called capnos (smoke), in Latin, fumaria (smoke or fumes), and in Apothecary shops, Fumus terrae (earth smoke).

John Gerard recommended fumitorie, "...for them that have either scabs or any other filth growing on the skinne....It removeth stoppings from the liver and spleene: it purifieth the bloud....oftentimes boyled in whay, and in this manner it helpeth in the end of the Spring and in Sommer time those that are troubled with scabs." (The Herbal, 1633).

Nicholas Culpeper (The Compleat Herbal, 1652) believed, "Saturn owns the herb, and presents it to the world as a cure for his own disease....If...you find Saturn author of the disease...you may by this herb prevent it...keep a syrup of it always by you. The juice or syrup...is very effectual...clarifying the blood from saltish, choleric, and adust humours, which cause leprosy, scabs, tetters (eczema), and itches...."

In his 25th book of Natural History, (77 CE) Pliny the Elder designates the plant by its Greek name, Capnos, calling it "medicamenta oculorum" (medicine of the eyes) and stating the "green sap wraps the eyes in mist...."

Plucking the eyelashes appears a fashion that possibly originated with the Romans. Both Culpeper and Gerard credit Dioscorides (first century) for this treatment. Gerard wrote, "...the iuyce of Fumitorie...with gum Arabicke, doth take away unprofitable haires...growing upon the eye lids...first plucked away, it will not suffer others to grow in their places."

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.at the University of Washington has posted a photographs of fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). To view the photographs, click on the link:

Click here to view the photographs

killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~

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Purple Smoke Baptisia

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Make a bold statement in your garden! Unique, smoky violet flowers with mysterious purple eye rest beautifully atop sturdy charcoal gray stems with blue-green foliage in early to midsummer. Rich colors provide intrigue in borders. 24-36” tall.

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Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’

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Purple Smoke Bush

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Carefree Purple Smoke Bush features fluffy clouds of rich reddish-purple “smoke” (actually multi-branched flowers stalks) that cover the dark purple foliage all summer. Tolerates dry, infertile soils. Grows 10-15’ tall with a similar spread.

Cotinus coggigryia var. atropurpureum

Zone 5 to 8

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Unique Characteristics: A beautiful and highly decorative shrub where-ever it is used in the landscape. The rich purple foliage does not fade in the sun and brings a wonderful color to the garden. In mid to late summer seedheads develop into huge fluffy clouds of smokey pink (hence the name) and are prized for their delicate flower-like display. If it gets too tall or open it can be cut back to ground-level when necessary to induce compact new growth. A hardy and trouble-free shrub with multiple uses in the garden.

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Dwarf Burning Bush

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Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

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Viburnum tomentosum 'Shasta'

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Fireglow Euphorbia

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Oval succulent leaves emerge purple in spring and mature to a rich burgundy purple with yellow-green bracts in early summer. Provides a great contrast to other green-leaved plants in the landscape. 12-18” height is great for a rock garden or front border setting.

Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’

Zone 5 to 7

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Unique Characteristics: Leaves emerge purple in spring and mature to a rich burgundy purple for the summer months. Showy yellow-green flower bracts appear in the early summer and compliment the leaves perfectly. Provides a great contrast to other green leaved plants in the landscape. Great item for a rock garden or front border location.

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