Narrowleaf Pectis, Lemonscent
Pectis angustifolia
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Pectis angustifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in leaf from May to November, in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Dry uplands, usually on calcareous soils. Dry soils in sandy or gravelly mesas, 1000 - 2100 metres in Arizona.
Western N. America - Nebraska and Colorado to Arizona and Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. They are also used as a flavouring, they have a strong lemon-scent. The leaves are eagerly collected by the Hopi Indians.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is carminative and emetic. The crushed leaves have been used in the treatment of stomach aches. The blossoms, mixed with salt, have been eaten in the treatment of stomach complaints.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Other
Rating:
The plant yields an inferior dye. No more details are given.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species. It can be grown outdoors in Britain as a half-hardy annual and requires a dry to moist light or medium well-drained soil in a sunny position. The flowers are spicily scented whilst the leaves also have an aromatic fragrance.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed it may be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in situ in mid to late spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist