The mandrake plant, Mandragora officinarum, is a unique and interesting ornamental plant surrounded by centuries of lore. Made famous in recent years by the Harry Potter franchise, mandrake plants have roots in ancient culture. While legends of screaming plant roots may sound terrifying to some, this petite flower is a beautiful addition to ornamental containers and flower plantings.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils.
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Only slightly so according to one report. Not recommended as a herbal medicine. Toxicity signs include: skin reddening, dry mouth, tachycardia, arrhythmias, pupil dilation