Mandrake, Autumn (Mandragora autumnalis), plant in a 9″ pot, organic

Family:  Nightshade (Solanacea)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 10

Herbaceous perennial, native to Southern Europe.  One of the most choice of all true Mandrake species.  Flowers purple to 12 inches tall, giving way to fruits of yellow and orange.  Traditional usage (TWM): fertility, aphrodisiac, a magical totem, relieve pain, promote sleep.  Source of tropane alkaloids–do not ingest.    Plant prefers alkaline pH—deep, sandy soils.  Autumnalis does fine in dry sun to moist shade, tends to flower in the autumn as opposed to the winter-flowering types.  Flowers are amazing.  Space plants 2 feet apart.

Potted plant, 3-yr-old,  in a 9 inch pot