Red Root

Lachnanthes carolina

Physical Characteristics

Lachnanthes carolina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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 semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Jersey and Rhode Island to Florida.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cancer Homeopathy Narcotic Nervine Tonic The root is astringent, narcotic, tonic and nervine[4]. Taken internally it produces a peculiar form of cerebral stimulation and narcosis, it was often used as a narcotic by some native North American Indian tribes[4]. It is also used in the treatment of bowel complaints, coughs, pneumonia and the spitting of blood[61, 257]. A strong decoction has been used as a wash for cancer[257]. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the whole fresh plant, harvested when in flower[4].

Known Hazards

Poisonous[4].