Catgut, Virginia tephrosia

Tephrosia virginiana

Physical Characteristics

Tephrosia virginiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Hampshire to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Cancer Diaphoretic Diuretic Pectoral Tonic Women's complaints The root is anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and tonic[207, 222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is said to make children muscular and strong[222, 257]. A cold tea is used to improve male potency and also to treat TB, bladder problems, coughs, irregular menstruation and other women's complaints[222, 257]. Experimentally, the root has shown both anticancer and cancer-causing activity[222]. The leaves have been placed in the shoes in order to treat fevers and rheumatism[257].

Known Hazards

Contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222]. The seeds are toxic[222].