Month: December 2015

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Herbs & Plants

Critonia morifolia

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Botanical Name : Critonia morifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Eupatorieae
Genus: Critonia
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Common Name : Green Stick

Habitat : Critonia morifolia is native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies. It grows in forest areas.

Description:
The most notable trait that characterizes the genus is the presence of pellucid punctations caused by internal secretory pockets of the leaves – to be seen these must be viewed with a hand lens while holding the leaf up to light in most species of the genus. Most species of Critonia also have smooth opposite leaves, a shrubby habit, unenlarged style bases, relatively few (3-5) flowers per head, and imbricate involucres. .CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Medicinal Uses:
Of the medicinal leaves found in the forest, this is one of the most important and useful to add to herbal bath formulas. Steam baths (“bajo”) are given in cases of swelling, retention of fluids, rheumatism, arthritis, paralysis, and muscle spasms. The leaf is heated in oil and applied to boils, tumors, cysts, and pus-filled sores. Boil leaf alone or in combination with other bathing leaves for any skin condition, exhaustion, wounds, feverish babies, insomnia, flu, aches, pains and general malaise.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with  your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critonia
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_FGH.htm

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Solidago spathulata

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Botanical Name : Solidago spathulata
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Solidago
Species: S. spathulata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Synonyms:
*Aster candollei Kuntze 1891 not Harv. 1865
*Homopappus spathulatus (DC.) Nutt.
*Solidago simplex var. spathulata (DC.) Cronquist
*Solidago spiciformis Torr. & A.Gray

Common Names: Coast Goldenrod, Creeping Goldenrod, Dune goldenrod

Habitat :Solidago spathulata is native to the Pacific Coastal regions of the United States, in the States of Oregon and California. It is found in a wide range of habitats from coastal sand dunes to inland and alpine areas

Description:
Solidago spathulata is perennial herb up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall with a branching underground caudex. One plant can produce as many as 100 small yellow flower heads in a branching array. It is hardy to zone (UK) 8. It is in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife…....CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation :
Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Judging by the plants native habitat, it is likely to be tolerant of maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above.

Propagation :
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves; Seed.
Edible Uses: Tea.

Leaves and flowering stems – cooked. Seed – used as a thickener in soups etc. The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest. A tea is made from the leaves and flowers.

Medicinal Uses:
Antiseptic; Haemostatic; Salve.
The flowering stems are antiseptic, haemostatic and salve. An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antisepti. A poultice of the toasted, powdered leaves has been mixed with oil and used in the treatment of mumps.

Other Uses:
Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. Landscape Uses:Border, Ground cover, Specimen, Woodland garden.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with  your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_spathulata
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+spathulata

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Solidago rigida

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Botanical Name : Solidago rigida
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Solidago
Species: S. rigida
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Synonyms:
*Aster rigidus (L.) Kuntze 1891 not L. 1753
*Oligoneuron grandiflorum (Raf.) Small
*Oligoneuron rigidum (L.) Small
*Solidago grandiflora Raf.
*Aster jacksonii Kuntze, syn of subsp. glabrata
*Leioligo corymbosa (Elliott) Raf., syn of subsp. glabrata
*Oligoneuron corymbosum (Elliott) Small, syn of subsp. glabrata
*Oligoneuron jacksonii (Kuntze) Small, syn of subsp. glabrata
*Solidago corymbosa Elliott 1823 not Poir. 1817, syn of subsp. glabrata
*Solidago jacksonii (Kuntze) Fernald, syn of subsp. glabrata
*Oligoneuron bombycinum Lunell, syn of subsp. humilis
*Oligoneuron canescens Rydb., syn of subsp. humilis
*Solidago bombycina (Lunell) Friesn., syn of subsp. humilis
*Solidago bombycinum (Lunell) Friesner, syn of subsp. humilis
*Solidago canescens (Rydb.) Friesner, syn of subsp. humilis
*Solidago parvirigida Beaudry, syn of subsp. humilis

Common Names: Stiff Goldenrod, Flat Topped Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod

Habitat : Solidago rigida is native to the region between the Atlantic Coast and the Rockies, from Alberta east to Ontario, south as far as New Mexico, Texas, and Georgia. In New England, it grows today only in Connecticut, though there are historical records indicating that it formerly grew in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It grows on the dry or gravelly open woods, thickets and prairies.

Description:
Solidago rigida is a perennial plant, growing to 1.2 m (4ft) at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Flowers: A flat-topped cluster 2 to 5 inches across of 3/8-inch yellow flowers, each with 6 to 13 short petals (ray flowers) and a yellow center with up to 35 disk flowers. The rays are sometimes broad with rounded tips, sometimes more narrow with pointed tips.

Leaves and stem:
There are both basal leaves, and leaves alternating up the stem. All leaves are a grayish green color, generally oval in shape, rough from short bristly hairs, and mostly toothless but may have a few rounded, shallow teeth. The basal leaves are up to 5½ inches long and 1½ inches wide and stand generally erect on long stalks.

The alternating leaves are about 2 inches long, become progressively smaller as they go up the stem, may have wavy edges, are fairly stiff (hence the common name), tend to point upward, and clasp the stem. Stems are stout and rough from short bristly hairs.

Fruits: Fruit is a dry seed with a tuft of white or light brown hairs to carry them off in the wind.

Seed is softly angled, 2 to 2½ millimeters long, sometimes a bit hairy, with faint lines or ridges along its length and ripens from pale tan to brown. Much of the seed is eaten by insects before it ripens.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES:
Subspecies:
*Solidago rigida subsp. glabrata (E.L.Braun) S.B.Heard & Semple – southeastern + south-central USA
*Solidago rigida subsp. humilis (Porter) S.B.Heard & Semple – central + western Canada, central + western USA as far west as the Rocky Mountains
*Solidago rigida subsp. rigida – Ontario, central + eastern USA

Cultivation:
Landscape Uses:Border. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden. Special Features: Attractive foliage, North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagation :
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Medicinal Uses:
The leaves and blossoms are antiseptic, astringent and styptic. A valuable remedy in the treatment of all kinds of haemorrhages. The flowers have been ground into a lotion and used to treat bee stings. An oil obtained from the plant (is this an essential oil?) is diuretic. The root is cathartic and diuretic. A decoction of the root has been used as an enema. An infusion has been used to restore the flow of urine.

Other Uses::..…Dye; Latex……….A good quality rubber can be made from a latex that is obtained from the leaves[46, 61]. Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_rigida
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/stiff-goldenrod
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+rigida

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Solidago nemoralis

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Boytanical Name : Solidago nemoralis
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Solidago
Species: S. nemoralis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Synonyms:
*Aster hispidus (Muhl. ex Willd.) Kuntze not Thunb. 1783

*Doria pulcherrima (A.Nelson) Lunell

Common Names: Gray goldenrod, Gray-stem goldenrod, Old-field goldenrod, Field goldenrod, Prairie goldenrod, Dwarf goldenrod, and Dyersweed goldenrod

Habitat : Solidago nemoralis is native to North America, where it is widely Canada (every province except Newfoundland/Labrador) and the United States (all states wholly or partially east of the Rocky Mountains). It grows on the dry open places in foothills, valleys and plains.

Description:
Like other goldenrods, this species is a perennial herb. One of the smaller goldenrods, It grows 20 centimeters to one meter (8-40 inches) tall from a branching underground caudex. There are 1 to 6 erect stems, sometimes more. The stems are reddish to gray-green and have lines of short, white hairs. The lower leaves are up to 10 centimeters (4 inches long and the blades are borne on winged petioles. Leaves on the upper half of the stem are narrower and shorter and lack petioles. The spreading inflorescence can carry up to 300 flower heads. The head contains 5 to 11 yellow ray florets each a few millimeters long surrounding up to 10 yellow disc florets. Flowering occurs in late summer and fall. The fruit is a rough-texured cypsela about 2 millimeters long tipped with a pappus of bristles slightly longer….CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife.

There are two subspecies:
*Solidago nemoralis ssp. decemflora – tetraploid taxon with larger flower heads and narrower basal leaves in west-central North America
*Solidago nemoralis ssp. nemoralis – diploid or tetraploid taxon in the eastern regions of the species’ range.

Cultivation:
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden.

Propagation:
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Seed.
Edible Uses:…….Seed……Native American people, the Goshute used the seeds for food.
Medicinal Uses:
The plant had various uses among Native American peoples. The Houma people used it medicinally to treat jaundice. The Navajo used it as incense.
An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antiseptic.

Other Uses.: Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant. It is cultivated in landscaping and gardens, such as butterfly gardens.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_nemoralis
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+nemoralis

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Solidago missouriensis

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Botanical Name : Solidago missouriensis
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Solidago
Species: S. missouriensis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Common Names : Missouri goldenrod, Prairie Goldenrod, Tolmie’s goldenrod

Habitat : Solidago missouriensis is native to North America, where it is widespread across much of Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. It grows from British Columbia east to Manitoba, south as far as Sonora, Coahuila, Texas, and Mississippi (but not California). It grows on dry prairies, gravels and rocky slopes.

Description:
Solidago missouriensis is a perennial herb growing from an underground caudex or rhizome, or both. It reaches one meter (40 inches) in maximum height. The roots may reach 2 m (6.6 ft) deep in the soil. The rigid leaves are up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long, becoming smaller farther up the stem. The inflorescence is a branching panicle of many yellow flower heads at the top of the stem, sometimes with over 200 small heads. Each head contains about 5-14 yellow ray florets a few millimeters long surrounding 6-20 disc florets. The fruit is an achene tipped with a pappus of bristles.

CLICK  & SEE THE  PICTURES
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in flower from Jul to September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Cultivation:
Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A rather greedy plant, it is apt to impoverish the soil. The plant attracts various beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies to the garden, these insects will help to control insect pests in the garden.

Propagation:
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer
Edible Uses:
Edible Parts:….. Leaves…… Tea.……Young leaves – raw or cooked. They can be added to salads or used as a potherb. A very good tea is made from the dried leaves and dried fully expanded flowers.
Medicinal Uses:.……..Antiseptic. ………An infusion of the dried powdered herb can be used as an antiseptic.
Other Uses:..…Dye……….Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidago_missouriensis
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solidago+missouriensis

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