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Herbs & Plants

Sweet Sultan

Botanical Name: Amberboa moschata
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Tribe: Cynareae
Genus: Amberboa
Species: A. moschata

Synonyms:
*Centaurea moschata L.
*Centaurium moschatum (L.) Cass.
*Centaurium suaveolens Cass.
*Chryseis moschata (L.) Cass.
*Cyanus luteus Moench
*Cyanus moschatus (L.) Gaertn.

Common Names: Sweet Sultan

Habitat: Sweet Sultan is native to Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and the Caucasus.

Description:
Amberboa moschata is an annual,branching herb grows up to 50 cm tall. Flower heads are usually showy and sweet-scented.

Leaf type: leaves are simple (i.e., lobed or unlobed but not separated into leaflets)
Leaf arrangement: alternate: there is one leaf per node along the stem
basal: the leaves are growing only at the base of the plant
Leaf blade edges: the edge of the leaf blade has lobes, or it has both teeth and lobes, the edge of the leaf blade has teeth.

Flower type in flower heads: the flower head has disk flowers only, and lacks the strap-shaped flowers
Ray flower color: blue to purple…pink to red…white

Bloom Time:Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall.

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Cultivation: Resents root disturbance so best sown in situ in well-drained neutral or alkaline soil in a sunny, sheltered position. May require staking

Propagation: From seed; sow indoors before last frost, direct sow after last frost.

Uses:
Sweet Sultan is not only beautiful, but also fragrant as well. The blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects including bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds and lady bugs.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amberboa_moschata
https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/amberboa/moschata/
https://www.myseedneeds.com/products/sweet-sultan-seeds?variant=37597231624
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/280976/Amberboa-moschata-Dairy-Maid/Details

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Herbs & Plants

Pseudostellaria jamesiana

Botanical Name: Pseudostellaria jamesiana
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Caryophyllales
Genus: Pseudostellaria
Species:P. jamesiana

Synonyms:
*Alsine jamesiana
*Arenaria jamesiana
*Stellaria jamesiana

Common Name : Tuber starwort

Habitat: Pseudostellaria jamesiana is native to much of the western United States, where it can be found in sagebrush, coniferous forests, and many other types of habitat. It is a perennial herb growing from a rhizome network with tuberlike swellings. It grows on moist woodland amongst shrubs, westwards from Wyoming and Texas.

Description:
Pseudostellaria jamesiana is a perennial plant growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.The stem grows up to 45 to 60 centimeters in maximum height. It is four-angled and usually at least partially coated in glandular hairs. The thick lance-shaped leaves are up to 15 centimeters long, oppositely arranged, and sometimes rough and hairy. The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers at the tip of the stem or in the leaf axils. Flowers occurring in leaf axils are sometimes cleistogamous, never opening. Open flowers have five white petals with two lobes at the tips and usually ten long stamens.

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Edible Uses: Young leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Root – raw or cooked. Sweet and pleasant.

Medicinal Uses: Not known to us.

Known Hazards: Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish. Stellaria jamesiana Torr. is a synonym of Pseudostellaria jamesiana (Torr.) W.A. Weber & R.L. Hartm.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudostellaria_jamesiana
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Stellaria+jamesiana

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Herbs & Plants

Callitriche stagnalis

Botanical Name: Callitriche stagnalis
Family: Plantaginaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Callitriche
Species: C. stagnalis

Synonyms: Callitriche platycarpa Kuetzing.

Common Names: Common starwort, Common water starwort, Common water-starwort, Mud water starwort, Pond water starwort, Pond water-starwort, Starwort, Water starwort.

Habitat: Callitriche stagnalis is native to both Europe and North Africa, where it is widespread in aquatic and subaquatic habitats. Currently C. stagnalis has been found in Europe, Northern Africa, The United States, Asia, Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. It is normally found in aquatic environments particularly in which there is little to no motion. C. stagnalis frequents lakes, ponds, salt marshes, and slow moving rivers and streams. This species is able to thrive in both fresh and brackish water habitats.

Description:
Callitriche stagnalis is a perennial aquatic vascular plant species. Also known as pond water-starwort, C. stagnalis, may thrive in a variety of aquatic and subaquatic habitats, specially those exhibiting slowly moving to non-moving water.

The general appearance of C. stagnalis differs slightly depending on whether the plant being viewed was submerged or floating. Both exhibit long stems that vary in length from approximately 1 to 3 decimeters. These stems give rise to leaves that are oppositely arranged. The characteristic difference between the submerged and floating C. stagnalis is its leaf shape. Submerged leaves of C. stagnalis are linear, appearing long and thin with one vein running up the center. Floating leaves of C. stagnalis, however, may be spatulate to obovate in shape, which appear much wider that the typical submerged leaves, and contain a much larger number of veins (5-7). Growth of the leaves of C. stagnalis also differs depending on whether they are submerged or floating. Submerged leaves can grow 4 to 10 mm in length whereas floating leaves may only reach 2 mm in length. Submerged leaves are typically thin but may be wider in some cases making it harder to differentiate them from their floating counterparts which may grow 5 to 8 mm in width.

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Slender stems reach to the surface and form floating mats of leaves, which are often round to spoon-shaped but are variable in morphology. The plants are monoecious, with male and female flowers on an individual. Both types of flower are very tiny and whitish in color.

Cultivation:
A water plant, it should be allowed to root into the soil at the bottom of the pond or be grown in a pot in the pond. This species is an excellent oxygenator of the water and a good food source for fish. It provides a good habitat for wildlife in the pond, the leaves holding spawn well. This species belongs to one of only two known dicot genera where pollination taks place under water. Plants remain active all winter.

ery tiny and whitish in color.

Cultivation:

Propagation:
Seed – we have no details on this species but would suggest that the seed will be best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in about 5cm of water. It is quite likely that the seed has a short viability, especially if it is allowed to become dry. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in trays of water in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings can be taken at any time in the growing season. They root easily, even if just placed in a pot of water.

Edible Uses:
Plant may be eaten after properly boiled & seasoned.

Medicinal Uses:
Could not find anywhere.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callitriche_stagnalis
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Callitriche+palustris

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Herbs & Plants

Viburnum plicatum

Botanical Name: Viburnum plicatum
Family: Adoxaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Dipsacales
Genus: Viburnum
Species: V. plicatum

Common Name :Japanese Snowball, Japanese Snowball Viburnum, Doublefile Viburnum

Habitat: Viburnum plicatum is native to E. Asia – China, Japan. It grows in mountains to 1800 metres, C. and S. Japan.

Description:
Viburnum plicatum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate.The leaves are opposite, 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–6 cm broad, simple ovate to oval, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in flat corymbs 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, comprising a central cluster of fertile yellowish-white flowers 5 mm diameter, surrounded by a ring of showy, sterile flowers 2–3 cm diameter, which act as a target guide to pollinating insects. The fruit is an ovoid blue-black drupe 8–10 mm long.

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It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.

Cultivation:
It prefers a deep rich loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Best if given shade from the early morning sun in spring. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c. Plants are surface-rooting and are very susceptible to damage by hoeing, drought or water-logging. A section of top growth will often die back if the roots are damaged, in severe cases this will lead to the death of the plant. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. The type species is actually a sterile garden form. The true wild species is often referred to as V. plicatum tomentosum. (Thunb.)Miq. Plants take about 5 years from planting out before they produce fruit. Fruit production can be erratic. Plants are self-incompatible and need to grow close to a genetically distinct plant in the same species in order to produce fruit and fertile seed. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Blooms are very showy.

Edible Uses:
Fruit are eaten raw or cooked. Young leaves – cooked. Rather unpleasant.

Medicinal Uses: No medicinal uses are found

Other Uses:
Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Screen, Specimen. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but is ill-adapted for poor soils and for dry situations.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viburnum_plicatum
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Viburnum+plicatum

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Herbs & Plants

Silverweed

Botanical Name: Argentina anserina
Family: Rosaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales
Genus: Argentina
Species: A. anserina

Synonyms: Potentilla anserina, Dactylophyllum anserinam. Fragaria anserina.

Common Names: Silverweed, Common silverweed or Silver cinquefoil.

Other Common Names: Goosegrass, Goosewort, Wild tansy, Trailing tansy, Crampweed, Moor grass, Prince’s feathers, Argentina (Spanish), Gänsefingerkraut (German), Potenille (French), Gåsemure (Norwegian), Gasort (Swedish), Tagarmura (Icelandic), Ketohanhikki (Finnish), Gase-potenti (Danish).

Habitat:Silverweed is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant is often found growing wild on river and seashores and in grassy habitats such as meadows, open woodland, and road-sides.It is most often found in sandy or gravelly soils, where it may spread rapidly by its prolific rooting stolons. It typically occurs in inland habitats, unlike A. egedii, which is a salt-tolerant coastal salt marsh plant.

The plant thrives best in semi-shade or full sun in well-drained moist soil and it tolerates maritime exposure

The plant was originally placed in the genus Potentilla by Carl Linnaeus in his Species plantarum, edition 1, (1753) but was reclassified into the resurrected genus Argentina by research conducted in the 1990s. The reclassification remains controversial and is not accepted by some authorities. It is a species aggregate which has frequently been divided into multiple species.

Description:
Silverweed is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant with creeping red stolons that can be up to 80 cm long. The leaves are 10–20 cm long, evenly pinnate into in saw-toothed leaflets 2–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, covered with silky white hairs, particularly on the underside. These hairs are also present on the stem and the stolons. These give the leaves the silvery appearance from which the plant gets its name.

The flowers are produced singly on 5–15 cm long stems, 1.5-2.5 cm diameter with five (rarely up to seven) yellow petals. The fruit is a cluster of dry achenes.

Silverweed is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs on the same plant) and it is pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles. The plant is self-fertile.

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Cultivation:
It grows best in a well-drained loam, preferring a position in full sun but tolerating shade. Prefers an alkaline soil but tolerates a slightly acid soil. Silverweed was formerly cultivated for its edible root … This plant spreads vigorously by its running roots and can be very invasive.

Edible Uses:
The starchy rootstock can be roasted, cooked or eaten raw and it has a pleasant flavor, crunchy and nutty, similar to sweet potatoes, parsnip or chestnuts.

In the past, the roots were used as food by the Native North Americans, the Inuits of Greenland and the Sami of northern Scandinavia.

The roots can also be dried and ground to a powder that can later be mixed with regular flour and cereals, or used in soups. The roots have also been used as a coffee substitute.

Young fresh shots or the leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses:
Silverweed contains at least 2% tannins, flavonoid glycosides (including quercitrin and quercetin), coumarin, phytosterols, anthocyanins, choline, bitter substances, mucilages and resins.The plant also contains long and medium-chain polyprenols (isoprenoid alcohols) present in the leaves. These polyprenols seem to have anti-viral properties and ongoing research is being conducted to verify the effectiveness of these compounds in that regard.

It is primarily used for its astringent effect due to its content of tannins. The root normally contains more tannins than the aerial parts.

It is less astringent than tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans).
The similar medicinal effect of silverweed and tormentil has meant that they can be used in the same way as a natural treatment for diarrhea and minor external and internal bleeding.

Because silverweed contains a much lesser amount of tannins than tormentil, it has milder but weaker effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Silverweed has been used traditionally as an herbal remedy for cramps and spasms.

In folk medicine, it has been used as a relief for abdominal pressure, excessive internal gas formation, menstrual cramps, gastritis, stomach ulcers, fevers and intestinal and muscle cramps.

The plant’s alleged antispasmodic effect on the uterus and intestines has been verified in research using animal models but later studies have not been able to confirm that this effect also applies to humans.

Silverweed is not used much internally as an antispasmodic in today’s herbal medicine but it is often included in herbal mixtures and tea blends to treat diarrhea.

External Use of Silverweed:
Externally, the herb has been used as a mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat, toothache, loose teeth, gingivitis, vaginal discharge and sore throat.

In the past, distilled water from silverweed was used for cosmetic reasons to remove freckles and pimples and as a treatment for sunburns.
In addition, silverweed was used externally in the form of ointments and compresses as a remedy for bleeding hemorrhoids and to speed up the healing of wounds, scrapes, and cuts.

Other Uses: Silverweed was also used to dye yarn and tan leather.A sprig placed in the shoe can help prevent blisters. An infusion of the leaves makes an excellent skin cleansing lotion, it is also used cosmetically as a soothing lotion for reddened skin and for the delicate skins of babies. All parts of the plant contain tannin, though the report does not give quantities. A dynamic accumulator gathering minerals or nutrients from the soil and storing them in a more bioavailable form – used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

Known Hazards: Possible stomach irritation.

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/Argentina_anserina
https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/silverweed-uses-benefits.html
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Potentilla+anserina#:~:text=It%20grows%20best%20in%20a,root%5B5%2C%2067%5D.&text=This%20plant%20spreads%20vigorously%20by,invasive%5B1%2C%204%5D.

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