Green Gentian, Elkweed
Frasera speciosa

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Frasera speciosa is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Dryish or dampish places. Rich soils in open pine woods, aspen groves etc, 1500 - 3000 metres.

Western N. America - California to Washington.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root. It has been reported that the N. American Indians ate the fleshy root of this plant, but caution is advised since the roots of closely related plants are used medicinally as emetics and cathartics. See the notes above on toxicity.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is febrifuge, pectoral, laxative and tonic. An infusion of the dried, powdered leaves, or the root, has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. A cooled decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of asthma, colds, digestive complaints etc. An infusion of the plant has been used as a contraceptive. Caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

The root, when ground into a powder and then mixed with oil, has been used as a parasiticide in order to kill lice.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

How it is grown

Requires a moist but well-drained position and a stony peaty soil. Requires an acidic soil. A very ornamental plant.

Propagating it: Seed - sow 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. Division in late winter.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

When used medicinally, large doses of the powdered root have proved fatal.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Swertia radiata. Kuntze.