This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Antennaria dioica.

Material uses

A good ground cover plant for sunny positions. Rather slow to spread, however, and it requires weeding for at least the first year[1]. Plants form a carpet and root as they spread[2].
There are no material uses listed for Antennaria dioica.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Catsfoot has been little used in herbal medicine though it was once used in mixtures for the treatment of bronchitis and bilious conditions[3]. The whole plant is antitussive, astringent, cholagogue, discutient, diuretic and emollient[4][5][6][7]. The plant is very rich in mucilage which makes it very valuable in the treatment of chest complaints[5]. It is also used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder complaints, hepatitis and diarrhoea[8]. Externally it is used as a gargle for treating tonsillitis and as a douche for vaginitis[8]. The herb is gathered in May before it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[5].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in cold frame and only just cover the seed. Do not allow the soil to dry out. The seed germinates in 1 -2 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring of the following year[K]. Division in spring or autumn. Fairly easy, the divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Antennaria dioica. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a light well-drained soil in full sun, succeeding in poor soils[9][10][11]. Established plants are drought tolerant[12].

This species is very susceptible to slug damage, the young growth in spring is particularly at risk[K]. Tolerates light treading[11]. The flowers are sometimes cut and used as 'everlasting flowers' since they dry well and keep their colour[5].

Plants are usually dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Some male plants have a few hermaphrodite flowers, though these are usually sterile. Apomictic flowers are also produced[13], these produce seed without sexual fertilization, each seedling being a clone of the parent plant.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Antennaria dioica. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Antennaria dioica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Antennaria dioica
Genus
Antennaria
Family
Compositae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. ISBN 0-304-31089-1 (1989-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  9. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  10. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  12. ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

Cite error: <ref> tag with name "PFAFimport-13" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

"image:Antennaria dioica.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.