Scootberry, Rosybells

Streptopus roseus

Physical Characteristics

Streptopus roseus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Georgia and Michigan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young leaves and shoots are added to salads to impart a cucumber flavour[183]. They can also be cooked and used as greens[172, 257]. Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweetish flavour[207], though it is said to be cathartic if eaten in quantity[183, 207], especially if you have not eaten this fruit before[K]. A watermelon flavour[172]. The fruit is about 12mm in diameter[235].

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic Diaphoretic Ophthalmic Pectoral Tonic Women's complaints The fruit is cathartic[172, 207]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of a fallen womb[257]. A cough syrup can be made from the root[257]. A poultice of the steeped root has been applied to the eyes in the treatment of sties[257]. The flowers are diaphoretic[257]. They can be used to induce sweating in the treatment of colds and fevers. The plant is tonic[257]. An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of coughs[257].

Known Hazards

None known