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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from September to October. 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 dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Gnaphalium obtusifolium. L. G. polycephalum. Michx.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

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.
Anaphrodisiac Antiphlogistic Antispasmodic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Sedative
Vermifuge

The whole plant is anaphrodisiac, antiphlogistic, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, vermifuge[4, 61]. It is used internally in the treatment of throat ulcers, chest complaints, intestinal and respiratory catarrh etc and is also applied externally as a poultice to bruises, indolent tumours etc[4, 254]. A tea made from the leaves and flowers is a mild nerve sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic[222]. The fresh juice is considered to be aphrodisiac[222]. It is anaphrodisiac according to another report[4]. The aromatic dried flowers are used as a filling for pillows, having a sedative effect which is beneficial to consumptives[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[4]. This has proved to be of benefit in the treatment of sciatica, lumbago and some forms of arthritis[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Repellent Stuffing

The plant is used as an insect repellent, it is placed in bedmats, books etc[178] and in the linen cupboard[207]. The flower heads are used as a stuffing material for mattresses[207].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a dry soil in an open sunny position[200]. Plants are sometimes grown in the wild garden[200]. The leaves have a pleasant aromatic smell and an aromatic, slightly bitter, astringent agreeable taste[4].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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.

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium - (L.)Hilliard.&Burtt.