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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Aletris farinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August. 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 soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Aletris alba Michx. Aletris lucida Raf.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:
Bulb - cooked[105, 161, 177]. Intensely bitter[2]. A bitter-sweet soapy taste[238].
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.
Antiflatulent Antiinflammatory Appetite Stimulants Appetizer Bitter Diuretic Dysentery Narcotic
Tonic
The greatest value of unicorn root is its tonic influence on the female generative organs, proving to be of great use in treating cases of habitual miscarriages[4]. Used for gynaecological disorders or 'female complaints' in the US including dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and prolapsed vagina complaints [301]. It also promotes the appetite and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism and jaundice[222]. The root is bitter, diuretic, narcotic and tonic[1, 21, 46, 213]. Only use the dried rootstock[21], in large doses the fresh root is somewhat narcotic, emetic and cathartic[4]. A decoction of the root is a bitter tonic and has been used for expelling flatulence and for various uterine disorders[207, 222]. It is used in the treatment of colic, though small doses, especially of the fresh root[4], can cause hypogastric colic[222]. The root is harvested in late summer after flowering and dried for later use[238]. The root contains diosgenin, which has both anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic properties[222]. A tea of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, dysentery and bloody dysentery[213, 257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a damp sunny position in peat, leafmold and sand[1]. Requires a sunny position[200]. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
Plant Propagation
Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Sow the seed thinly to allow the seedlings to be grown on for their first year without potting them up, but give a liquid feed from time to time to ensure that they do not become nutrient deficient. Prick the young plants out into individual pots the following spring and grow them on in the greenhouse for the next winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario), United States (Connecticut, Indiana (north), Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan (south), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Illinois (north), Oklahoma (east), Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (northwest), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, District of Columbia, Texas)
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 :
IUCN Red List
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.
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Botanical References
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