Red Root
Lachnanthes carolina

Family: Haemodoraceae

What it is like

Lachnanthes carolina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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): 1

Where it is found

Sandy and peaty shores and swamps.

Eastern N. America - New Jersey and Rhode Island to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is astringent, narcotic, tonic and nervine. Taken internally it produces a peculiar form of cerebral stimulation and narcosis, it was often used as a narcotic by some native North American Indian tribes. It is also used in the treatment of bowel complaints, coughs, pneumonia and the spitting of blood. A strong decoction has been used as a wash for cancer. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the whole fresh plant, harvested when in flower.

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

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

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

Other

Rating: 1

A red dye is obtained from the root.

How it is grown

Requires a humus-rich loamy soil. Plants are not quite hardy in Britain and are usually grown in a cold greenhouse. They will quite possibly succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. tinctoria.