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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Cowania mexicana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. stansburiana. (Torr.)Jeps.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiarthritic Antiseptic Expectorant Laxative Skin

A decoction of the green branches, together with sagebrush (Artemisia spp) and juniper (Juniperus spp) has been used as an expectorant and laxative treatment for colds[257]. A decoction of the leaves and flowering stems has been used to treat venereal disease and pains over the kidneys[257]. The leaves have been chewed in the treatment of arthritis[257]. The leaves have been made into a tea for bathing and cleansing the skin[257]. It is an antiseptic wash, used for treating smallpox or measles[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Baby care Fibre Insulation Tinder

The fibres in the bark have been used for making sandals, rope, sleeping mats and clothing[229, 257]. The bark has been crushed, rubbed until soft and then used as a lining in shoes to keep the feet warm[257]. It has also been used as an absorbent nappy for babies and as a soft surface for babies to lay on in cradles[257]. The fine, soft bark has been used as a tinder when starting fires with a fire drill[257].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a very sunny position[11] and a calcareous soil[200]. This species is also likely to require a very well-drained light or medium soil[K]. The cliffrose is not very hardy in Britain, it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in any but the mildest areas of the country and will probably require the protection of a sunny wall even there[11, 200, K]. The flowers are resinous and strongly fragrant[229].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species, but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico (northwest)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Cowania mexicana - D.Don.