Polemonium reptans
Polemonium reptans | |
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Polemonium reptans flowers | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Polemoniaceae |
Genus: | Polemonium |
Species: | P. reptans
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Binomial name | |
Polemonium reptans |
Polemonium reptans is a
Description
Jacob's ladder grows 50 centimetres (20 in) tall, with pinnate
The
Pollinated flowers develop into an oval
-
Leaves
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Oval seed pods enclosed in green calyces
Ecology
The flowers produce both
Range and habitat
Polemonium reptans is typically found in rich, moist woods, often along streambanks.[4][5] Its range extends from Minnesota to New Hampshire in the north, and from Georgia to Mississippi in the south.[5] It is most abundant west of the Appalachian Mountains.[4][5]
Cultivation
The plant prefers partial shade and mesic soil. It tolerates full sun, but requires constantly moist soil.[2]
Uses
The dried roots have a slightly bitter and acrid taste. P. reptans has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine for febrile and inflammatory diseases, to ease coughs, colds and bronchial complaints, and to encourage perspiration.[6] It is furthermore said to bring relief in cases of inflammations and infections.[7] The root is rarely used in modern herbalism. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
References
- ^ a b Hilty, John (2016). "Jacob's Ladder". Illinois Wildflowers.
- ^ a b c Heather Holm (2014). Pollinators on Native Plants. Minnetonka, MN: Pollinator Press. pp. 160–161.
- ^ "Polemonium reptans - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2022-01-01.
- ^ a b Carman, Jack B. (2001). Wildflowers of Tennessee. Highland Rim Press. p. 206.
- ^ ISBN 1-55105-428-0.
- ^ Wren, R.C. (1923). Potter's Cylopedia of Botanicak Drugs and Preparations. London: Potter & Clarl. p. 1.
- OCLC 48876592.