Thorn Skeletonweed
Stephanomeria spinosa

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Stephanomeria spinosa is a PERENNIAL. 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

Where it is found

Sandy rocky soils under dry conditions at elevations of 1500 - 2800 metres in sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland and yellow pine forest communities California.

Western N. America

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The roots are diaphoretic. A decoction of the crushed roots has been used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the crushed root has been used as a herbal steam bath to cause sweating in the treatment of colds, mumps and tuberculosis. The leaves and stems are antiemetic, astringent and emetic. A decoction of the plant tops has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The decoction has been used externally as an eyewash. A poultice of the cottony fuzz (probably the seed floss) has been applied to sores and boils to promote their healing. The cottony fuzz has also been placed in the cavity of an aching tooth to relieve the pain.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

207278

Propagating it:

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

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

Lygodesmia spinosa. Pleiacanthus spinosus.