What is the root of pleurisy?
Pleurisy root is one of the common names for wild fingling from North America with the scientific name Asclepias tuberosa, also known as the butterfly weed, Indian brush and orange milk algae. It is a tall, persistent, permanent plant with flowers, which are usually orange or red. In the wild it grows and is a plant with low maintenance in gardens. The name pleurisy root comes from one of the old traditional Indian medicinal uses for the root of the plant. It has tall, slender fuzzy stems, with dark green, narrow pointed leaves. It usually blooms from June to August, when it has large, flat clusters, also called Umbels, small clearly colored orange or red flowers. After the flowers have disappeared, they are replaced by a long seed pod, which eventually tears to release small seeds that float the air -ease on the silk fibers.
native area of Pleurisy root includedA large part of North America. It is located throughout the United States east of the rocky mountains and in the eastern part of Canada. In a slight climate it is doing well, in winter dies back to its tuber root and at the end of spring new growth appears. It is commonly found along roads, open forests, fields and meadows. Pleurisy root is often used in gardens where it needs very low maintenance.
When planting in the garden, the pleurisy root is often used in the border, butterfly gardens and mixed plantings with a wild natural feeling. It should be planted in a well -drained middle soil. It is also done in sandy soil. The Pleurisy root needs an average amount of water, but it is able to survive the conditions of drought. It grows best in full sun and will also be quite well in a partial shade. Because it is a perennial plant, every year it returns in the same place and usually does not pull out other plants.
Pleurisy root gets its name from the reported Indian practice chewing on the root to alleviate pleurisy, lung inflammation and other respiratory complaints. In addition, it was used as tea to release diarrhea. Despite these past uses, however, parts of the plant are poisonous if they are used in large quantities. Its primary usefulness is today as a source of food for butterflies and hummingbirds who drink its nectar, and for several types of butterfly caterpillars such as a monarch that feeds on leaves.