Description
Aletris farinosa is a perennial herb spreading by means of underground rhizomes and forming rosettes of leaves.
Aletris farinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in flower from May to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
Suitable pH: acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name |
unicorn root, crow-corn, white colic-root or white stargrass |
Maximum Reachable Height |
0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) |
Flower Colour |
White |
Bloom Time |
May-Aug |
Difficulty Level |
easy to grow |
Planting and care
Divide clump-forming perennials and most ornamental grasses in the late fall or late winter into individual plants, each with a piece of stem, crown (body), and roots.Sow seed of perennials such as coneflowers, coreopsis, etc in the late summer or late spring, keeping them moist and giving them enough time to sprout and grow roots before extreme cold or hot weather.Aletris farinosa care
Grassy or sandy woodlands, in dry or moist peats, sands and gravels, especially on the seashore.
Sunlight |
Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Watering |
Medium |
Soil |
well-drained soil |
Temperature |
-10 and -15c200. |
Fertilizer |
Apply any organic fertizer |
Aletris farinosa special feature
The tough, fibrous bark if the stalks of Black Indian Hemp was employed by the Indians as a substitute for hemp in making twine, fishing nets, etc.
Aletris farinosa uses
Medicinal Use:
- Used for gynaecological disorders or female complaints
- used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism and jaundice
- A tea of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, dysentery and bloody dysentery
Culinary Use:
- Leaves are used to make tea