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Parts used: The whole above ground wild pansy
herb is collected and dried.
Phytochemicals: The important phytochemicals
of wild pansy are Violutoside, Rutin, Violanthin, Scoparin,
Orientin, Violaxnathin, Triterpene Saponins, Methyl-Salicylic
Acid, Flavonoids, Tannins, Coumarin. Medicinal properties: Wild
pansy has been used to treat skin diseases, eczema, asthma and
epilepsy and asthma. It was also believed that the flowers wild
pansy were good for the heart, hence its popular name of
heartsease. Today, wild pansy is used to treat eczema, acne,
pruritus and impetigo. The triterpenes, salicylates and
flavonoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of
wild pansy. Pansies are used for color
massing, edging, containers and window boxes during the fall,
winter and spring. Pansies thrive in cool weather. They will
bloom any time that the temperature is above freezing. Their
peak bloom is in spring. They fade and should be discarded with
the start of hot summer weather. Pansies grow best in a location
that receives morning sun and has rich, well-draining organic
soil. Add manure, leaf mold or compost to soil to increase
organic content. Sow seed indoors in late summer, six to eight
weeks before transplanting. The pansies can be transplanted into
the garden once the summer heat has been broken and cooler
weather arrives.
If you purchase plants, choose ones that are stocky with dark
green foliage and have few blooms but many buds. Plant pansies
and Johnny-jump-ups 6 to 8 inches apart for small-flowered
cultivars and 10 to 12 inches apart for large-flowered. Water
well after planting and continue to water through the fall and
winter any time that less than an inch of rain falls during the
week.
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