Skyrocket, Scarlet gilia

Ipomopsis aggregata

Physical Characteristics

Ipomopsis aggregata is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Oregon to California to Texas, north to N. Dakota.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar Edible Uses: Tea The plant has been boiled up as a tea[257]. The nectar is sucked from the flowers by children[257].

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic Disinfectant Emetic Skin Tonic The whole plant is cathartic and emetic[61, 257]. The leaves are steeped in hot water until the water turns a bright green, this liquid is taken in small doses as a tonic for the blood[207, 257]. An infusion of the whole plant has been used to treat blood diseases[257]. A decoction has been used as a disinfectant wash on itchy skin[257]. A poultice of the whole plant has been applied to rheumatic joints[257]. An infusion of the roots is used as a laxative and in the treatment of high fevers, colds[257].

Known Hazards

None known