Eryngium aquaticum
Button Snakeroot
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Umbelliferae
- Genus
- Eryngium
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Fertility
- self fertile
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
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.
The plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and in large doses emetic[3]. It is used mainly in the treatment of disorders of the kidneys and sexual organs[6][7]. It has been used as an antidote to snake poison[3][7]. The pounded roots are used as a diuretic[4]. An infusion of them is used to reduce fevers[4]. The plant is used as an antidote to snakebites. The roots are chewed and applied to the bite[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh or dried root[8].
- Product or use
- Antidote
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Emetic
- Product or use
- Expectorant
- Product or use
- Homeopathy
Environment
- Range
- Eastern N. America - New Jersey to Florida.
- Habitat
- Wet soils or uplands[5].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame[2]. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance[2]. Root cuttings in autumn or winter[2].
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[1]. Prefers a light sandy soil but tolerates most soil types including lime and poor gravels[2]. Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance[2]. Plants labelled in nurseries as E. aquaticum are often E. yuccifolium[2].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6
Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6
Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970-00-00 ISBN 0-486-22642-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9