Spreading Sneeze Weed
Centipeda minima

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Centipeda minima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Waste ground and roadsides all over Japan. Usually in wet places in eastern Australia.

E. Asia to Australia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Anodyne, antitussive, depurative, diuretic, stimulates blood circulation. When the aroma of the squeezed flower heads is inhaled it induces sneezing and so is used to relieve nasal conjestion, especially during coughs and colds. A paste made from the flower heads is applied externally in the treatment of swellings and skin inflammations.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Sternutatory: Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

See also, .

Propagating it: Seed - sow in a seed tray in mid spring, planting out after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed, the it can be sown in situ outdoors in late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

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

C. minuta. C. orbicularis. Artemisia minima.