Wild Coffee, Feverwort
Triosteum perfoliatum
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Triosteum perfoliatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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. 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): 1
Where it is found
Rich soils. Shady positions in forests on limestone soils.
Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Alabama, Kentucky and Kansas, west to Nebraska.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The dried and roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute. Opinions on the taste vary wildly.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A decoction of the leaves is diaphoretic. It is used in the treatment of fever and ague. The roots are diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, pectoral and stomachic. In large doses they are emetic and cathartic. An infusion of the root has been used to treat severe colds, pneumonia, irregular or profuse menses, painful urination, stomach problems and constipation. The infusion has also been used as an aid to putting on weight for both adults and babies. A poultice of the roots is applied to snakebites, sores and felons. An infusion of the plant has been used for soaking sore feet. An ooze from the plant has been used as a wash for swollen legs. The rhizome contains an alkaloid and has been used as a cathartic.
Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a light humus-rich soil in part shade. Succeeds in the wild or woodland garden.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist