Galax urceolata
Beetleweed
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Diapensiaceae
- Genus
- Galax
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Spread
- 0.3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
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 used for healing all kinds of wounds and cuts[2]. An infusion of the root is used to treat kidney problems[5].
- Product or use
- Kidney
- Product or use
- Vulnerary
Material uses
An attractive ground cover, the leaves turn bronze-red in winter[1]. Plants should be spaced about 25cm apart each way[3].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- South-eastern N. America.
- Habitat
- Moist open woodland, particularly in montane areas, to altitudes of 1500 metres[1].
- Light
- partial sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- very acid, acid
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow early spring or autumn in a shaded cold frame[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division with care in early spring[1].
Cultivation
Requires a moist humus-rich lime-free soil with part day shade[1]. Succeeds in full shade[3]. Plants can succeed in the dry shade of trees[4]. Succeeds in the woodland garden, large rock gardens or as an edging for shady paths[1]. Plants like an annual mulch of pine needles or other acid organic matter each spring[1].
References
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
Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9