About
Mercurialis perennis, dog's mercury, is a spreading, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial to 40 cm native to shaded woodland, producing pairs of oval to spear-shaped, finely toothed leaves. Male plants bear slender spikes of small, greenish-yellow flowers from February to April. A vigorous ground-cover plant for a shaded, moist woodland garden. Note: all parts are toxic if ingested.
About the genus
Mercurialis are herbaceous perennials or annuals with toothed leaves and small, greenish flowers, male and female usually on separate plants. Native to woodland and open ground across Europe and Asia.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
ToxicityPets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist, shady gardens, woodlands and hedgerows
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSelf-seeds freely
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free