Prairie Rose Gentian, Texas star
Sabatia campestris

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Sabatia campestris is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Prairies and fields. Open ground, edges of woods and roadsides, mainly in clay soils but also in sands.

South-eastern N. America - Missouri and Kansas to Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A tonic tea is obtained from the plant. The part of the plant is not specified.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antiperiodic, tonic.

Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a moist soil.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in late summer or early autumn. Sow in a peaty soil in a moist shady border or sow in pots in a shady part of the cold frame and keep the soil moist by standing the pot in 2 - 3cm of water.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sabbatia campestris. Nutt.