Ague Weed

Gentianella quinquefolia

Physical Characteristics

Gentianella quinquefolia is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. 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

Eastern N. America - southern Ontario to Tennessee and Florida.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Bitter Cathartic Febrifuge Haemostatic Homeopathy Stomachic Tonic The root is cathartic, febrifuge, haemostatic, stimulant and stomachic[200, 257]. A tea or tincture of the root is a bitter tonic, used to stimulate the digestion and a poor appetite[222, 257]. An infusion has also been used to treat diarrhoea, sore chest, worms and haemorrhages[257]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the root[4]. It is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers and as a stomachic and tonic[4].

Known Hazards

None known