Adenostoma sparsifolium
| Adenostoma sparsifolium | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 20' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Adenostoma sparsifolium (common name: redshank)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse or cold frame, planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings could be tried in August of half-ripe wood, preferably with a heel, in a frame.
Layering.
Cultivation: Requires a sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil[1][2] and protection from cold winds[2].
Plants are not very hardy in Britain and do not withstand exposure to prolonged winter frosts though they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country[1][2]. In colder areas they are best grown against a south or south-west facing wall[2].
The leaves are resinous and catch fire easily[3]. They have a pleasant aroma[2].
Range: South-western N. America - Southern California.
Habitat: Grows in chapparal at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres[4].
Edibility: Seeds[5]. No further information is given.
Medicinal: The plant is cathartic[5].
The plant has been used externally in the treatment of arthritis[5].
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and chest complaints, and also as a mouth wash to treat toothaches[5]. An infusion of the dried leaves, or the branches, has been used in the treatment of stomach ailments, inducing either bowel movements or vomiting[5].
The crushed twigs have been mixed with oil and used as a salve[5].
Usage: The bark is fibrous and has been stripped off the plants to make women's skirts[5].
The wood has been used to make fencing posts and as construction material[5]. The wood burns well, giving a high intensity heat[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Pesman, M. Meet Flora Mexicana. Dale S King, 1962.
- ↑ Flora of California.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.