Antennaria dioica 'Catsfoot'

[Ex. Hochschwab 1620 m., Austria]

Asteraceae: a semi-evergreen, mat-forming perennial to 10cm. Found on mountain grassland, heaths, dry pastures and woodland edges, usually on calcareous soils. Erect stems to 10cm in height, bearing fluffy white or pink flower-heads. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Blooming from May - June. Spoon-shaped leaves which are white-hairy beneath. Native to Northern and central Europe, including Britain, to Siberia and Western Asia. North America.

USES:

Catsfoot has been little used in herbal medicine though it was once used in mixtures for the treatment of bronchitis and bilious conditions. The whole plant has antitussive, astringent, cholagogue, discutient, diuretic and emollient properties. The plant is very rich in mucilage which makes it very valuable in the treatment of chest complaints. It is also used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder complaints, hepatitis and diarrhoea. Externally it is used as a gargle for treating tonsillitis. Also, once used as herbal treatment for bites of poisonous snakes.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs. Prefers a light well-drained soil in full sun, succeeding in poor soils. Established plants are drought tolerant. This species is very susceptible to slug damage, the young growth in spring is particularly at risk. The flowers are sometimes cut and used as 'everlasting flowers' since they dry well and keep their colour.

Honey-bee food plant.

HARVESTED: 2022*

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS