Herb: Redshank


Latin name: Adenostoma sparsifolium


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Redshank:

The plant is cathartic. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of arthritis. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and chest complaints, and also as a mouth wash to treat toothaches. An infusion of the dried leaves, or the branches, has been used in the treatment of stomach ailments, inducing either bowel movements or vomiting. The crushed twigs have been mixed with oil and used as a salve.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Flowering:
May to
June

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Grows in chapparal at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres.

Edible parts of Redshank:

Seeds. No further information is given.

Other uses of the herb:

The bark is fibrous and has been stripped off the plants to make women's skirts. The wood has been used to make fencing posts and as construction material. The wood burns well, giving a high intensity heat.

Propagation of Redshank:

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 the herb:

Grows in chapparal at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres.

Known hazards of Adenostoma sparsifolium:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.