Smallanthus uvedalia
Origin: SE Pennsylvania
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~10
BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED
Life cycle: Perennial
Also called "hairy leafcup" or "yellow flower leafcup," this striking native perennial sunflower-cousin, with its huge leaves, thick stems, up-to-7-foot height, and pretty yellow flowers between July and September, is the most cold-hardy member its genus. The most famous of its Smallanthus is the South American sweet tuberous vegetable yacón. While this species may also have some edible uses, we haven't had the chance to experiment with it ourselves. It does have a long history of medicinal use — hinted at by the entire plant's resinous odor — and is often found near Indigenous archaeological sites, a testament to its erstwhile importance to Indigenous communities here in eastern North America.
According to Plants for a Future, these are some of its potential medicinal uses: "Bearsfoot root was used by [Indigenous peoples] 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. It is also 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."
Our seed for a Pennsylvania-ecotype of cool wild plant comes from our good friend Zach Elfers.
GROWING TIPS: Bearsfoot's large seed requires both scarification and stratification in order to germinate well. Rub seeds between medium sandpaper, though not to the point of damaging the embryo inside, then add seeds to a moistened sterile medium (sand, peat, vermiculite, etc) and place in a refridgerator for 60 days. You might also try fall-planting the seeds, though rodents may discover them and dig them up. Plants thrive in USDA Zones 5-9, especially when planted in full or partial sun.
