Marsh Cudweed
Gnaphalium uliginosum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Gnaphalium uliginosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from July to August. 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 and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Damp places in sandy fields, heaths, waysides etc, on acid soils.

Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Marsh cudweed is little used in modern herbalism, though it is occasionally taken for its astringent, antiseptic and anticatarrhal properties. The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic. It may also have aphrodisiac and anti-depressant effects. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of laryngitis, upper respiratory catarrh and tonsillitis, whilst in Russia it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. The plant is harvested when it is in flower and is dried for later use.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the whole plant.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Prefers a position in full sun or partial shade in a moist to wet light acid soil.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Filaginella uliginosa. (L.)Opiz.