White Balsam, Rabbit-tobacco
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Pine woods and clearings in dry open habitats.

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Georgia and Alabama.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is anaphrodisiac, antiphlogistic, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of throat ulcers, chest complaints, intestinal and respiratory catarrh etc and is also applied externally as a poultice to bruises, indolent tumours etc. A tea made from the leaves and flowers is a mild nerve sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic. The fresh juice is considered to be aphrodisiac. It is anaphrodisiac according to another report. The aromatic dried flowers are used as a filling for pillows, having a sedative effect which is beneficial to consumptives. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. This has proved to be of benefit in the treatment of sciatica, lumbago and some forms of arthritis.

Anaphrodisiac: Reduces sexual desire.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

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

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

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

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

The plant is used as an insect repellent, it is placed in bedmats, books etc and in the linen cupboard. The flower heads are used as a stuffing material for mattresses.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Stuffing: Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a dry soil in an open sunny position. Plants are sometimes grown in the wild garden. The leaves have a pleasant aromatic smell and an aromatic, slightly bitter, astringent agreeable taste.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gnaphalium obtusifolium. L. G. polycephalum. Michx.