Woolly Wyethia, Woolly mule-ears

Wyethia mollis

Physical Characteristics

Wyethia mollis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Oregon to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - cooked. A sweet and agreeable flavour[94]. The N. American Indians dug pits in the ground which they lined with large stones. They then burnt a fire on top of the stones until the stones were hot. The roots were placed on these hot stones, sealed in with fern leaves and earth and then fermented for one or two days[94]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. The seed can be used as a piñole, or it can be ground into a powder and used as a mush or mixed with cereals flours to make bread etc[257].

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Blood tonic Diaphoretic Emetic Febrifuge Poultice The root is antiphlogistic, diaphoretic, emetic and febrifuge[94, 257]. A decoction has been used as a blood tonic and also in the treatment of tuberculosis, venereal diseases, colds and fevers[257]. A poultice of the crushed roots has been applied to swellings[257]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to sprains, swellings and broken bones[257].

Known Hazards

One report suggests that the leaves might be poisonous[94].