Morning Brides, Douglas' dustymaiden, Alpine dustymaiden

Chaenactis douglasii

Physical Characteristics

Chaenactis douglasii is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Montana to British Columbia, south to Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Cardiac Poultice Stomachic Morning brides was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially to treat skin problems[257]. It is not generally used in modern herbalism. An infusion of the whole plant has been given to children in order to slow their heart rates[257]. It is also used in the treatment of stomach complaints, coughs and colds[257]. The fresh plant, or sometimes just the leaves, are crushed and applied as a poultice to swellings, sores and aches[207, 257]. An infusion is used as a wash for a variety of skin problems including pimples, chapped hands, boils and insect bites[257].

Known Hazards

None known