Practical
Plants

Eupatorium capillifolium

Dogfennel

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
3 m
Fertility
self fertile
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.

The entire plant is applied externally as a remedy for the bites of reptiles and insects[6].

Product or use
Stings

Material uses

The plant is used as a strewing herb and to discourage insects[6].

Product or use
Repellent
Product or use
Strewing

Environment

Range
Eastern N. America - New Jersey to Vancouver, south to Florida.
Habitat
Borders of woods, clearings, fields and roadsides[5]. Disturbed areas, mainly in sandy soils in Texas[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[1]. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species but, judging by its habitat, it should be hardy in Britain. Other members of this genus succeed in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade[2]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[3]. An aggressive and weedy species[5].

References

  1. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

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

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  3. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

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  4. Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm

    ↩

  5. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  6. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩1↩2

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