Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Genus: | Pseudognaphalium |
Species: | P. obtusifolium
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Binomial name | |
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | |
Synonyms [1] | |
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Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, synonyms including Gnaphalium obtusifolium and Pseudognaphalium saxicola, is a member of the family Asteraceae. [1] It is found on open dry sandy habitat throughout eastern North America. Common names include old field balsam, rabbit tobacco and sweet everlasting. When crushed, the plant exudes a characteristic maple-syrup scent.[ citation needed]
It is a biennial herb which grows up to one meter tall. In its first year, the plant produces tightly packed rosettes covered in wooly hair. In the second year, the plant produces a tall stem with alternate leaves and yellow peg-shaped flowerheads. These are borne in clusters. The seeds are dispersed by the wind. Its native habitats include dry clearings, fields, and edges of woods. [2]
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Gnaphalium obtusifolium. It was transferred to Pseudognaphalium in 1981. [1]
Populations found in the state of Wisconsin growing on ledges and in cracks in shaded limestone cliff-faces, usually those facing south or east, have been described as Pseudognaphalium saxicola, common name cliff cudweed or rabbit-tobacco. [3] [4] Pseudognaphalium saxicola is listed as Threatened in Wisconsin and is assessed as T2 (Imperiled) by NatureServe, [5] [6] but is regarded by other sources as a synonym of Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium. [1]
The Alabama tribe used a compound decoction of it as a treatment for nervousness and sleepiness, [7] and a decoction as a face wash for nerves and insomnia. [8]
The Cherokee use it in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching, [9] and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain. [8] It is also used internally with Carolina Vetch for rheumatism. [9] A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup. [9] It is used in a sweat bath to treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth or throat, and smoked for asthma. [9]
The Choctaw use a decoction of leaves and blossoms taken for lung pain [8] [10] and colds. [8] [10]
The Creek add the leaves to medicines as a perfume, [11] use a decoction to treat vomiting, [11] as a throat wash for mumps, [8] as a wash "for people who wanted to run away" and as a wash for people who are believed to be afflicted by ghosts. [7] A decoction made of the plant tops is used as a wash for old people who are unable to sleep. [11] They also use a compound decoction of plant tops as an inhalant for colds, and apply a poultice of decoction of leaves for the throat for mumps. [11]
The Koasati take a decoction of the leaves for fevers, and use it to bathe those who are feverish. [8]
The Menominee steam the dried leaves as an inhalant for headaches, and as a treatment against "foolishness". [12] They also smudge the leaves and use them to fumigate premises to dispel ghosts, [13] and to bring back "loss of mind". This smudge is also used to revive unconscious patients. [14] The leaf smoke is blown into the nostrils of people who have fainted. [13]
The Montagnais use a decoction of the plant for coughing and tuberculosis. [15]
The Rappahannock Tribe take an infusion of the roots for chills, smoke dried leaves or dried stems in a pipe for asthma, and chew the leaves for "fun". [16]