Rudbeckia laciniata

'Cutleaf Coneflower'

Asteraceae: a tall robust herbaceous perennial growing up to 3m (10ft) tall. Found in wet sites on flood plains, along stream banks, and in moist forests. The disc flowers are green to yellowish green, while the rays are pale yellow. Blooming from August – September. The leaves are broadly ovate and somewhat glaucous leaves that are often deeply dissected. Native to North America, where it is widespread in both Canada and the United States.

USES:

The edible young stems can be cooked and eaten in the spring for 'good health'. The young stems can be eaten like celery. The stems can also be dried for later use.

A tea made from the root (mixed with Caulophyllum thalictroides) is used in the treatment of indigestion. A poultice of the flowers (mixed with Agastache anisatum and Solidago sp.) is applied to burns.

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.

Succeeds in an ordinary medium soil in sun or shade. Requires a moist well-drained soil. Tolerates considerable wind exposure without support. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. They grow particularly well in long hot late summers. Dormant plants are hardy to about -25°C.

Attracts butterflies.

HARVESTED: 

 

APPROX. 50 SEEDS