PlantWerkz: Devil’s Claw – Physoplexis Comosa

Devil’s Claw

Common Name: Devil’s Claw / Tufted Horned Rampion

Scientific Name: Physoplexis comosa

Height: below 6 ins ( 14 cm)

Span: 4 – 6 ins ( 5 – 14 cm)

Growth Rate: Slow

Sun Tolerance: Full Sun

ABP Index: 2.5 (Aesthetics 3.0, Solidarity 2.0)

Devil’s Claw also known as Tufted Horned Rampion, science name Physoplexis comosa is native to alpine Europe. It is the only species in its genus, and was formerly included in Phyteuma. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 5 ins tall by 6 ins wide, with glossy toothed narrow oval leaves, and dense umbels of necked. It grows in limestone rock crevices on vertical walls, from mountains to subalpine zones, up to 2000 m above sea level. It blooms Violet colors flowers in summer. In cultivation it is suitable for the rockery or alpine garden, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.