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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Xerophyllum tenax is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in) at a slow rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. 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: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
X. douglasii. Helonias tenax.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:
Root - baked[92].
References
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.
Ophthalmic Styptic
The roots are styptic[257]. A poultice of the chewed root has been applied to wounds[257]. A decoction of the grated root has been used as a wash on bleeding wounds, sprains and broken limbs[257]. The washed roots have been rubbed to make a lather and then used to wash sore eyes[257].
References
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Other Uses
Basketry Fibre Weaving
A watertight basket can be made from the leaves[21, 46, 61, 99, 257]. This basket has been used for cooking food in[257]. The fibres are split from the leaves and then used[92]. The plant is also used to decorate baskets[257]. The small leaves have been used to make dresses[257]. The plants were burnt every year. The leaves were harvested in the spring when they first started to grow out of the charred rhizome. Prior to using, the leaves were soaked in water to make them pliable, but if left too long they turned green[257]. The dried and bleached leaves are used for weaving into hats and capes[207, 257].
Special Uses
References
Cultivation details
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[187]. Prefers a fairly moisture-retentive sandy peaty soil[1, 200]. Requires a damp peaty soil[233]. Plants can be difficult to cultivate[188]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187], especially if the roots are given a good mulch in the winter[200]. If left undisturbed, plants can form quite large colonies, spreading by means of their tough rhizomes[200]. Plants do not flower every year, there are often gaps of 5 - 7 years between flowering[212].
References
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in early spring. 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 as the plant comes into growth in the spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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 it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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
(Purs.)Nutt.
Botanical References
60200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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