Sabatia elliotii

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Sabatia elliotii is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 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 and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Pine barrens.

South-eastern N. America - Virginia and North Carolina to Florida.

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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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:

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 elliotii. Steud.