Queen's Delight

Stillingia sylvatica

Physical Characteristics

Stillingia sylvatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

The root is antiemetic, astringent[257]. A decoction has been used to treat bird sickness, diarrhoea, vomiting and appetite loss in children and in adults[257]. It has also been used to treat menstruation sickness, yellow eyes and skin weakness[257]. A decoction or tincture of the root has been used to treat the worst forms of venereal disease[257].

Known Hazards

The latex in the sap can cause blistering on the skin[274]. Large doses of the plant are said to be toxic[274].