Flower Library
Hares Ear
Bupleurum · Apiaceae
Bupleurum, or hares ear, is one of the most popular supporting acts in modern floristry: fresh green, finely branched stems with small yellow-green flower umbels above rounded leaves that the stem grows right through. It brings exactly the juicy green that makes flower colours glow. Because it is available year-round, affordable and uncomplicated, it is part of our fixed weekly range from the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Bupleurum
- Colors
- Fresh green, Yellow-green, Lime
Its name comes from the oval leaflets that vaguely recall the ears of a hare, with the stem seemingly growing straight through them, botanically known as perfoliate. In cut production Bupleurum griffithii dominates, usually as the variety Griffithii, with long, stable yet flexible stems.
In floral work bupleurum sits exactly between filler flower and cut foliage: the yellow-green mini umbels read like a delicate veil of bloom, while the foliage provides volume and freshness. It loosens arrangements without weighing them down and visually ties different flower shapes together.
The bright yellow-green is a colour all-rounder: it makes pink and red look fresher, underlines white and takes the heaviness out of strong colours such as orange. In spring bouquets with tulips and summery rose arrangements bupleurum is therefore hard to replace.
When buying we look for upright stems with rich colour. Pale yellowish tips or limp foliage betray stock that stood dry too long. Once given a good fresh cut and water, though, bupleurum recovers remarkably quickly.
A common mistake is leaving too much foliage on the stem: anything below the waterline rots and spoils the vase water. Clean the lower stem properly and this green will give you a good week and more of pleasure.
Is Hares Ear toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people; related species are even used traditionally as medicinal plants. As with all cut greens, eating larger amounts is still not advised.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in fresh water straight away.
- 02Remove every leaflet that would sit below the waterline.
- 03Use flower food; supporting greens benefit from it too.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and rinse the vase.
- 05Keep cool and bright, but out of direct sun.
- 06Re-cut limp stems and stand them deep in water; they usually perk up again.
Frequently asked
- How long does bupleurum last in the vase?
- Well cared for, bupleurum lasts around seven to twelve days and outlives many of the main blooms in a bouquet. The green stems can easily be carried over into the next arrangement.
- Is bupleurum toxic to cats or dogs?
- Bupleurum is considered harmless to cats, dogs and people; the root of related species is even used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. Pets should still be discouraged from deliberately chewing on the bouquet.
- Is bupleurum a flower or a cut green?
- A bit of both: botanically it is an umbellifer with real yellow-green florets, but in floristry it is used like a foliage. Exactly this double role makes it so versatile; it fills and flowers at the same time.
- Which flowers does bupleurum pair with best?
- With practically everything. Classic pairings are roses, tulips, gerbera and lisianthus, where the yellow-green makes the flower colours look fresher. Only in very dark, dramatic arrangements do we swap it for deeper foliage.