Aletris farinosa - Plant

Planting and care

Grassy or sandy woodlands, in dry or moist peats, sands and gravels, especially on the seashore.

Caring for Aletris farinosa

• 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.

Typical uses of Aletris farinosa

Special features: 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.

Culinary use: Leaves are used to make tea.

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.

References

• http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/aletris-farinosa-care-and-maintenance/
• http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALFA2
• http://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aletris+farinosa