Bearsfoot

Description:

A tall branching plant with yellow "aster-like" flowers found growing in very rich soil. The root is greyish brown in colour and furrowed. The bark is thin, brittle and easily scales off. It blooms in late summer. If you look at one of the leaves, it really resembles a Bear's foot.

Habitat:

Requires a warm position in a deep rich soil. This one was photographed at the edge of a pond at Brick Pond Park in North Augusta, SC.

Notes:

Bearsfoot root was used by the North American Indians as a stimulant and laxative remedy. It is perhaps best known for its use as a hair tonic whilst the root is also taken internally as a treatment for non-malignant swollen glands and especially for mastitis. The root is anodyne, laxative and stimulant. The root is said to have a beneficial effect on the liver, stomach and spleen and may be taken to relieve indigestion and counteract liver malfunction. It is said to be of great use when applied externally to stimulate hair growth and is an ingredient of many hair lotions and ointments. A poultice of the bruised root has been used as a dressing and salve on burns, inflammations and cuts. This wildflower is rather large, so it would work well if you have a large, wet area that you need to fill with some thing unique.