Lopseed, American lopseed
Phryma leptostachya
Family: Phrymaceae
What it is like
Phryma leptostachya is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Woods and thickets. Woods in hills and at low elevations in mountains all over Japan.
E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Japan. Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Manitoba and Florida.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A tea made from the roots was gargled as a treatment for sore throats and was drunk in the treatment of rheumatism, fevers etc. It is also depurative. A poultice made from the roots is applied to sores, boils, carbuncles and cancers.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
The plant is considered to be insecticidal. No more details were given.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
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 in many parts of this country. We have no details of its cultivation needs, though it is likely to succeed in a lightly shaded site, possibly in a woodland.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter in a cold greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring might also be possible.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist