Hopi tea greenthread
Thelesperma gracile

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Thelesperma gracile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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): 0.8

Where it is found

Dry plains, prairies and roadsides.

Central and western N. America - Nebraska and Wyoming to Texas, Mexico and Arizona.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flower buds. No further details are given. A tea is made from the leaves and dried flowers. The flowers and leaf tips are dried in an oven and then boiled for a very short time. When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A fine reddish-brown basketry and textile dye is obtained from the plant. No more details.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, usually requiring cold greenhouse treatment.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. In dry weather the seed should be watered in. Division might be possible.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bidens megapotamica. Thelesperma gracile