Ageratina altissima
| Ageratina altissima | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 7' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Ageratina altissima (common name: white snakeroot)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame, only just covering the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring.
Cultivation: Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade[1].
There is some difference of opinion over the correct name for this species with some authorities using Eupatorium rugosum[K].
Range: Eastern N. America.
Habitat: Low woods in river valleys in Texas[2].
Medicinal: The root is diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, stimulant and tonic[3]. It has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, gravel and urinary diseases[3]. It has also been used in herbal sweat baths to encourage sweating[3]. A decoction or infusion of the root has been taken to treat a fallen or inflamed womb[3].
The root has been chewed and held in the mouth as a treatment for toothache[3].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The plant contains tremetol, a complex alcohol, and glycosides. These toxins cause a fatal disease known as 'staggers' in cattle. The toxin can be passed through the milk and has caused fatalities in humans who have drunk affected cow's milk[2].
Also Known As: Eupatorium ageratoides. E. rugosum. E. urticaefolium,
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Diggs, George and Barney Lipscomb. Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute, 1999.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.