Lygodesmia grandiflora - (Nutt.)Torr.&A.Gray.
(Nutt.)Torr.&A.Gray.
Skeleton Plant, Largeflower skeletonplant
gbif· cc-by-nc
tammypearl
gbif· cc-by-nc
kmosbruger
gbif· cc-by-nc
kmosbruger
Description
Lygodesmia grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 moist soil.
Edible Uses
Leaves - cooked. Used as greens and as a flavouring.
Medicinal Uses
Galactogogue Salve. The leaves are chewed to increase the milk flow of lactating mothers. The plant sap has been used as a healing salve on the sores caused by sunburn.
Distribution
South-western N. America.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah)
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in at least the milder areas of the country. It is likely to require a sunny position in a light well-drained soil.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be tried in the spring.
