Jersey Cudweed
Gnaphalium luteoalbum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Gnaphalium luteoalbum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Sandy fields and waste places in the Channel Islands. It is also possibly native to a few mainland areas of Britain.
Most of Europe, including Britain, and most other warm temperate regions in the world.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Stomachic. The leaves are astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic and vulnerary. The plant is used in the treatment of breast cancer in Belgium.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
The leaves are used as a tinder.
Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist