Blazing Star - Unicorn Root - Devil's Bit, Fairywand

Chamaelirium luteum

Physical Characteristics

Chamaelirium luteum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Arkansas, Illinois and Michigan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Adaptogen Diuretic Emetic Tonic Uterine tonic Vermifuge Blazing star is a traditional remedy of the North American Indians where it was used mainly as a woman's herb[254]. It is widely used in Western herbal medicine where it is seen as a balancing herb for the female reproductive system and has proved to be a beneficial remedy for menstrual problems and ovarian cysts - it can also be of help in the menopause[254]. The root is adaptogen, diuretic, emetic, uterine tonic and vermifuge[4, 46, 61, 105, 238]. Small doses of the dried and powdered root are used[222]. It is employed in the treatment of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and leucorrhoea[207] and also for a variety of ailments associated with the male and female reproductive organs[222]. It should be used with caution since an excess causes vomiting[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

This plant is a cardiac toxin in large quantities[4]. Large doses may cause nausea & vomiting. Chamaelirium luteum is an emmenagogue (promotes menstruation) so best avoided during pregnancy [301].