medicinal herbs
Chinchweed
Pectis papposa

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Chinchweed

Latin name: Pectis papposa

Family: Compositae

Medicinal use of Chinchweed:

The plant is carminative and laxative. An infusion of the blossoms has been used as eye drops in the treatment of snow blindness.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy and clay flats from sea level to 1500 metres in deserts and creosote bush scrub in California.

Edible parts of Chinchweed:

The flowers are used as a condiment. The seed can be parched, ground into a powder then used as a thickener and flavouring in soups or can be mixed with water to make a mush or porridge. Leaves - raw or cooked. The native American Indians would dip the leaves in salty water then eat them as a condiment with mush or cornmeal.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed it may be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in situ in mid to late spring.

Cultivation of Chinchweed:

Sandy and clay flats from sea level to 1500 metres in deserts and creosote bush scrub in California.

Known hazards of Pectis papposa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.