Humboldt Mulesears
Wyethia longicaulis
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Wyethia longicaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Open woods and exposed ridges, 800 - 1500 metres.
South-western N. America - California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Seed - cooked. It can be used as a piñole or can be ground into a powder and used with cereals in making bread etc. Young leaves and stems - raw or cooked. Root - cooked. The N. American Indians dug pits in the ground which they lined with large stones. They then burnt a fire on top of the stones until the stones were hot. The roots were placed on these hot stones, sealed in with fern leaves and earth and then fermented for one or two days before being eaten.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of stomach aches. Externally, it can be used as a wash in the treatment of headaches and as a wash for inflamed and sore eyes. A poultice of the baked roots has been applied to rheumatic joints. A poultice of the dried powdered roots has been applied to burns and running sores.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a free-draining, gritty but moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position. Plants are intolerant of drought.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse or cold frame in early spring. Use a very freely-draining compost, prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions when they are large enough. Careful division of the crown as the plants come into growth in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist