Marsh Cudweed

Gnaphalium uliginosum

Physical Characteristics

Gnaphalium uliginosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Aphrodisiac Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Marsh cudweed is little used in modern herbalism, though it is occasionally taken for its astringent, antiseptic and anticatarrhal properties[254]. The whole plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic[4, 21, 165, 238]. It may also have aphrodisiac and anti-depressant effects[238]. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of laryngitis, upper respiratory catarrh and tonsillitis, whilst in Russia it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure[238, 254]. The plant is harvested when it is in flower and is dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known