Mountain Dandelion, Pale agoseris, False agoseris
Agoseris glauca

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Agoseris glauca is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Meadows and other open places at all elevations in moderately dry to moist or even wet soils.

Western N. America - British Columbia to Manitoba, south to California and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The solidified sap (latex) of the stem is chewed as a gum.

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The following reports refer to the sub-species A. glauca dasycephala (Torr.&Gray.)Jepson. An infusion of the entire plant is used as a wash for sores and rashes. The milky latex is applied to warts in order to remove them. This requires constant applications over a period of weeks for it to be effective. A poultice made from the latex is applied to sores. An infusion of the root is used as a laxative.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Warts: Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.

Other

Rating: 1

A latex in the plant contains rubber, but not in sufficient quantities to make it commercially valuable.

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

Latex: A source of rubber.

How it is grown

Prefers full sun and a sandy or gravelly loam low in nutrients. The sub-species A. glauca villosa is used for its gum.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer or late in the following spring. Division with care in spring. The plants do not like a lot of root disturbance so it is best to pot up the divisions and keep them in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are established.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. villosa. Rydb. Troxicum glaucum.