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Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Species of plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, synonyms including Gnaphalium obtusifolium and Pseudognaphalium saxicola, is a member of the family Asteraceae.[2] It is found on open dry sandy habitat throughout eastern North America. Common names include old field balsam, rabbit tobacco, sweet everlasting[citation needed] and life everlasting.[3] When crushed, the plant exudes a characteristic maple-syrup scent.[citation needed]
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Description
It is a biennial herb which grows up to one meter tall. In its first year, the plant produces tightly packed rosettes covered in wooly hair. In the second year, the plant produces a tall stem with alternate leaves and yellow peg-shaped flowerheads. These are borne in clusters. The seeds are dispersed by the wind. Its native habitats include dry clearings, fields, and edges of woods.[4]
Taxonomy
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Gnaphalium obtusifolium. It was transferred to Pseudognaphalium in 1981.[2]
Populations found in the state of Wisconsin growing on ledges and in cracks in shaded limestone cliff-faces, usually those facing south or east, have been described as Pseudognaphalium saxicola, common name cliff cudweed or rabbit-tobacco.[5][6] Pseudognaphalium saxicola is listed as Threatened in Wisconsin and is assessed as T2 (Imperiled) by NatureServe,[7][8] but is regarded by other sources as a synonym of Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium.[2]
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Uses by Native Americans
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Alabama tribe
The Alabama tribe used a compound decoction of it as a treatment for nervousness and sleepiness,[9] and a decoction as a face wash for nerves and insomnia.[10]
Cherokee
The Cherokee use it in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching,[11] and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain.[10] It is also used internally with Carolina Vetch for rheumatism.[11] A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup.[11] It is used in a sweat bath to treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth or throat, and smoked for asthma.[11]
Choctaw
The Choctaw use a decoction of leaves and blossoms taken for lung pain[10][12] and colds.[10][12]
Creek
The Creek add the leaves to medicines as a perfume,[13] use a decoction to treat vomiting,[13] as a throat washes for mumps,[10] as a wash "for people who wanted to run away" and as a wash for people who are believed to be afflicted by ghosts.[9] A decoction made of the plant tops are used as a wash for old people who are unable to sleep.[13] They also use a compound decoction of plant tops as an inhalant for colds, and apply a poultice of decoction of leaves for the throat for mumps.[13]
Koasati
The Koasati take a decoction of the leaves for fevers, and use it to bathe those who are feverish.[10]
Menominee
The Menominee steam the dried leaves as an inhalant for headaches, and as a treatment against "foolishness".[14] They also smudge the leaves and use them to fumigate premises to dispel ghosts,[15] and to bring back "loss of mind". This smudge is also used to revive unconscious patients.[16] The leaf smoke is blown into the nostrils of people who have fainted.[15]
Montagnais
The Montagnais use a decoction of the plant for coughing and tuberculosis.[17]
Rappahannock
The Rappahannock Tribe take an infusion of the roots for chills, smoke dried leaves or dried stems in a pipe for asthma, and chew the leaves for "fun".[18]
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References
Further reading
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