Iva xanthifolia
Nutt.
Giant Sumpweed
gbif· cc-by
GBIF
gbif· cc-by
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc
Simon Chen
Description
Iva xanthifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 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 and can tolerate drought.
Edible Uses
Giant marshelder, also called giant sumpweed or carelessweed, is a tall annual of the sunflower family native to North America. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was an important early food source for Native Americans in New Mexico, valued for both its leaves and seeds, and possibly even cultivated in prehistory. The leaves are best cooked rather than eaten fresh, though their use is marginal. Simmering drives off their initial foul odor, leaving a vegetable-like aroma, but the flavor remains bitter, resinous, and only just within the limits of palatability. The texture becomes mushy, and foul overtones are difficult to subdue, so they are not recommended for soups or stews. The seeds are small, off-white inside, and enclosed in smooth black fruits (cypselae) about 2 mm long. Each plant can yield thousands of seeds within weeks of flowering. Harvest is easiest once the flower heads dry, but separating the seeds from their shells is extremely difficult. Because the cypselae are smooth and lack barbs, they can be eaten whole, though the shells are bitter and unpleasant. Toasting improves the flavor somewhat by masking bitterness with a charred overtone, while grinding yields a crude seed butter or meal with bran-like debris. Boiling produces only a murky broth of mediocre quality. Despite their historical importance, the seeds and leaves are generally unappealing compared to other wild foods.
Medicinal Uses
An infusion or decoction of the plant has been drunk and used as a lotion in the treatment of coughs and influenza. A poultice of the plant has been used in the treatment of boils.
Known Hazards
If consumed by cows the milk may taste bitter. The leaves can cause dermatitis. The pollen of this plant can cause autumn hay fever.
Distribution
N. America. A casual in Britain.
Where It Grows
Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know its cultivation needs. However, it is likely to succeed in most soils that are not too heavy or wet and will probably prefer a sunny position. The pollen of this species is one of the main causes of hay fever.
Propagation
Seed -
Other Uses
A possible substitute for some components of young rabbit forage, as it was palatable to them and had no toxic effects.
Synonyms
Also Known As
English: burweed marsh elder; burweed marshelder; burweed marshelder; carelessweed; false ragweed; giant marshelder; giant sumpweed; horseweed; marsh elder; marshelder; rag sumpweed. Austria: Rispenkrauts.
