Skeleton Weed, Rush skeletonplant

Lygodesmia juncea

Physical Characteristics

Lygodesmia juncea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - Wisconsin and Alberta to Texas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Gum A gum from the seeds is used for chewing[61, 105]. Other reports say that the gum is obtained from the flowering stems[46, 177]. Another report says that the roots were left in the sun until the gum came out and hardened, and this was then used for chewing[257].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Galactogogue Kidney Poultice Tonic Skeleton weed was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it particularly as a galactogogue[213, 257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves and stems are galactogogue and tonic[213, 257]. An infusion of the stems has been used to promote milk flow in nursing mothers, in the treatment of smallpox, measles, kidney problems, diarrhoea, heartburn and burning coughs and also as a general tonic for children[257]. A poultice of the plant has been applied to bring relief to rheumatic and swollen joints[257]. An infusion has been used as a wash for sore eyes[257]. An infusion of the powdered galls that are found on the plant is diuretic[257].

Known Hazards

None known