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Lygodesmia juncea - (Pursh.)D.Don.

Common Name Skeleton Weed, Rush skeletonplant
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Prairies and plains, especially in sandy soils[43].
Range N. America - Wisconsin and Alberta to Texas.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Lygodesmia juncea Skeleton Weed, Rush skeletonplant


http://www.nps.gov
Lygodesmia juncea Skeleton Weed, Rush skeletonplant
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Lygodesmia juncea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

A gum from the seeds is used for chewing[61, 105]. Other reports say that the gum is obtained from the flowering stems[46, 177]. Another report says that the roots were left in the sun until the gum came out and hardened, and this was then used for chewing[257].

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.
Diuretic  Galactogogue  Kidney  Poultice  Tonic

Skeleton weed was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it particularly as a galactogogue[213, 257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves and stems are galactogogue and tonic[213, 257]. An infusion of the stems has been used to promote milk flow in nursing mothers, in the treatment of smallpox, measles, kidney problems, diarrhoea, heartburn and burning coughs and also as a general tonic for children[257]. A poultice of the plant has been applied to bring relief to rheumatic and swollen joints[257]. An infusion has been used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. An infusion of the powdered galls that are found on the plant is diuretic[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Gum  Hair  Insulation

An infusion of the stems, mixed with oil, has been used as a hair tonic[257]. The crushed stems have been used as foot pads in shoes[257].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most areas of the country. It is likely to require a sunny position in a light well-drained soil.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. 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. Division can be tried in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah)

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Lygodesmia grandifloraSkeleton Plant, Largeflower skeletonplantPerennial0.6 0-0  LMNM11 

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Pursh.)D.Don.

Botanical References

43235

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Fri Jan 25 2008

Skeleton Weed has been rumored to cause testicular cancer if inhaled through the nasal passages.

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