Cliffrose
Cowania mexicana

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Cowania mexicana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Dry rocky slopes and mesas, usually between 1050 - 2400 metres.

South-western N. America - Utah to California and Colorado, south to central Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

A decoction of the green branches, together with sagebrush (Artemisia spp) and juniper (Juniperus spp) has been used as an expectorant and laxative treatment for colds. A decoction of the leaves and flowering stems has been used to treat venereal disease and pains over the kidneys. The leaves have been chewed in the treatment of arthritis. The leaves have been made into a tea for bathing and cleansing the skin. It is an antiseptic wash, used for treating smallpox or measles.

Antiarthritic: Treats arthritis.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

The fibres in the bark have been used for making sandals, rope, sleeping mats and clothing. The bark has been crushed, rubbed until soft and then used as a lining in shoes to keep the feet warm. It has also been used as an absorbent nappy for babies and as a soft surface for babies to lay on in cradles. The fine, soft bark has been used as a tinder when starting fires with a fire drill.

Baby care: Various plants that can be used in place of items such as nappies.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Insulation: Providing insulation against extremes of temperature, sound or electricity.

Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

How it is grown

Requires a very sunny position and a calcareous soil. This species is also likely to require a very well-drained light or medium soil. The cliffrose is not very hardy in Britain, it is unlikely to succeed outdoors in any but the mildest areas of the country and will probably require the protection of a sunny wall even there. The flowers are resinous and strongly fragrant.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species, but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. stansburiana. (Torr.)Jeps.