Button Eryngo
Eryngium yuccifolium
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Eryngium yuccifolium is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Dry to moist open woods, thickets and prairies.
Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic (in large doses), expectorant and febrifuge{46, 61]. A decoction of the roots has been found useful in cases of exhaustion from sexual depletion, with loss of erectile power, seminal emissions and orchitis. A tincture of the roots is used in the treatment of female reproductive disorders. The pounded roots are used as a diuretic. An infusion of them is used to reduce fevers. Chewing the root increases the flow of saliva. The plant is used as an antidote to snakebites. The roots are chewed and applied as a poultice to the bite.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Infertility: Used in treating problems of human fertility.
Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prefers a light sandy soil but tolerates most soil types including lime and poor gravels. Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance. Where this species is found growing wild in N. America, it is an indicator of native prairie.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance. Root cuttings in autumn or winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist