Navajo Tea
Thelesperma megapotamicum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

UPDATE: This plant, Thelesperma megapotamicum, was originally named Thelesperma megapotanicum in this database.

Thelesperma megapotamicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Sandy or rocky prairies and roadsides in Texas. Dry sandy soils in south-western S. Dakota.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flower buds. No more details are given. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves and flowering stems. When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant has been used in the treatment of children with tuberculosis. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a 'nervous stimulant'. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used as a treatment for the teeth.

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. Reddish-brown according to another report. A brown dye is obtained from the leaves and stems. An orange-yellow dye can be obtained from the boiled roots.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, usually requiring cold greenhouse treatment. According to one report this species might be no more than a synonym for T. gracile.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ, only just covering the seed. In dry weather the seed should be watered in. Division might be possible.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Thelesperma megapotanicum