Ipomopsis aggregata
Skyrocket
a biennial or perennial member of the Ipomopsis genus in the family Polemoniaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Genus
- Ipomopsis
- Life cycle
- biennial, perennial
- Growth rate
- slow
- Height
- 1 m
- Spread
- 0.3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The plant has been boiled up as a tea[7]. The nectar is sucked from the flowers by children[7].
- Product or use
- Nectar
- Product or use
- Tea
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.
The whole plant is cathartic and emetic[10][7]. The leaves are steeped in hot water until the water turns a bright green, this liquid is taken in small doses as a tonic for the blood[5][7]. An infusion of the whole plant has been used to treat blood diseases[7]. A decoction has been used as a disinfectant wash on itchy skin[7]. A poultice of the whole plant has been applied to rheumatic joints[7]. An infusion of the roots is used as a laxative and in the treatment of high fevers, colds[7].
- Product or use
- Cathartic
- Product or use
- Disinfectant
- Product or use
- Emetic
- Product or use
- Skin
- Product or use
- Tonic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The plant is reported to contain saponins[6] and so could possibly be used as a soap substitute[K]. A decoction of the plant has been used as a face and hair wash by adolescent girls[7]. The whole plant has been boiled up to make a glue[7].
- Product or use
- Adhesive
- Product or use
- Soap
Environment
- Range
- Western N. America - Oregon to California to Texas, north to N. Dakota.
- Habitat
- Dry rocky slopes in sagebrush, scrub and clearings in pine forests to 3000 metres in California[1].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in situ[3].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a well-drained dry soil in sun or partial shade[1]. Requires a light very well drained fertile soil in full sun[3]. Plants are cold-hardy to about -15°c[1], but they are susceptible to rot in areas with wet winters[8]. It is best to cover the plants with a pane of glass in wet winter areas[8]. A slow-growing[2] and short-lived perennial or biennial species[1]. A polymorphic species[9]. The leaves have a musky scent[1]. The crushed leaves smell like a skunk[6].
References
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Livingstone. B. Flora of Canada National Museums of Canada 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-660-00025-3
Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6
Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963-00-00 ISBN 63-7093
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5
Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202