Practical
Plants

Adenostoma fasciculatum

Greasewood

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Adenostoma genus in the family Rosaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[4].

Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Disinfectant

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The wood has been used in basketry[4]. A gum from the plant has been used as a glue[4]. 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[1]. Large roots burn well and have been used for firewood[4]. Branches have been tied together then burnt for use as a torch[4].

Product or use
Adhesive
Product or use
Basketry
Product or use
Fuel
Product or use
Lighting

Ecology and functions

Earth stabiliser

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - California to Mexico.
Habitat
Poor depleted soils and dry hot slopes in the Chaparrel in Mexico[1]. Dense thickets among the coastal hills of California[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil[2][3] and protection from cold winds[3]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and do not withstand exposure to prolonged winter frosts though they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country[2][3]. In colder areas they are best grown against a south or south-west facing wall[3]. The leaves are resinous and catch fire easily[1]. They have a pleasant aroma[3].

References

  1. Pesman. M. W. Meet Flora Mexicana. Dale S. King. Arizona. 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  4. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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