American Columbo

Frasera caroliniensis

Physical Characteristics

Frasera caroliniensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York to Ontario and Wisconsin, south to Georgia and Tennessee.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Bitter Cathartic Dysentery Emetic Poultice Stimulant Tonic The powdered plant is applied externally to ulcers as a poultice[207]. The plant is a feeble simple bitter[207]. The root is cathartic, emetic, stimulant and tonic[4, 207, 212]. When dried it is a simple bitter that can be used as a digestive tonic in a similar way to gentian root (Gentiana spp), but the fresh root is cathartic and emetic[4]. The root is used in the treatment of dysentery, stomach complaints and a lack of appetite[257]. It should be harvested in the autumn of its second year, or the spring of its third year[4].

Known Hazards

None known