Herb: Virginian Stonecrop


Latin name: Penthorum sedoides


Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)



Medicinal use of Virginian Stonecrop:

A tincture of the plant is somewhat astringent, demulcent, laxative and tonic. The plant is noted for its effectiveness in treating catarrhal problems of many kinds and has also been used successfully in treating diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and infantile cholera. The seeds have been used in making cough syrups.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Low wet ground. Ditches and swamps.

Edible parts of Virginian Stonecrop:

Leaves - cooked. Used as a potherb.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in pots that are standing in about 3cm of water as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on shallow water in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Virginian Stonecrop:

Low wet ground. Ditches and swamps.

Known hazards of Penthorum sedoides:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.