Herb: Greasewood


Latin name: Adenostoma fasciculatum


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Greasewood:

A decoction of the leaves and branches has been applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism and as a wash for infected, sore or swollen parts of the body.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
May to
June

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Poor depleted soils and dry hot slopes in the Chaparrel in Mexico. Dense thickets among the coastal hills of California.

Other uses of Greasewood:

The wood has been used in basketry. A gum from the plant has been used as a glue. Plants have an extensive spreading root system that helps to bind the soil together. They are planted on slopes and other fragile soils for the prevention of soil erosion. Large roots burn well and have been used for firewood. Branches have been tied together then burnt for use as a torch.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse or cold frame, planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings could be tried in August of half-ripe wood, preferably with a heel, in a frame. Layering.

Cultivation of Greasewood:

Poor depleted soils and dry hot slopes in the Chaparrel in Mexico. Dense thickets among the coastal hills of California.

Known hazards of Adenostoma fasciculatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.