Skyrocket, Scarlet gilia
Ipomopsis aggregata

Family: Polemoniaceae

What it is like

Ipomopsis aggregata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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): 1

Where it is found

Dry rocky slopes in sagebrush, scrub and clearings in pine forests to 3000 metres in California.

Western N. America - Oregon to California to Texas, north to N. Dakota.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The plant has been boiled up as a tea. The nectar is sucked from the flowers by children.

Nectar: produced in such abundance by some flowers that it can be harvested fairly easily.

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

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is cathartic and emetic. The leaves are steeped in hot water until the water turns a bright green, this liquid is taken in small doses as a tonic for the blood. An infusion of the whole plant has been used to treat blood diseases. A decoction has been used as a disinfectant wash on itchy skin. A poultice of the whole plant has been applied to rheumatic joints. An infusion of the roots is used as a laxative and in the treatment of high fevers, colds.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Disinfectant: Used for cleaning wounds.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

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

Other

Rating:

The plant is reported to contain saponins and so could possibly be used as a soap substitute. A decoction of the plant has been used as a face and hair wash by adolescent girls. The whole plant has been boiled up to make a glue.

Adhesive: Glues.

Disinfectant: Plants used for disinfecting.

Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained dry soil in sun or partial shade. Requires a light very well drained fertile soil in full sun. Plants are cold-hardy to about -15°c, but they are susceptible to rot in areas with wet winters. It is best to cover the plants with a pane of glass in wet winter areas. A slow-growing and short-lived perennial or biennial species. A polymorphic species. The leaves have a musky scent. The crushed leaves smell like a skunk.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gilia aggregata. (Pursh.)Spreng.