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Packera aurea
Golden groundsel
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Packera aurea plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida, west to Texas. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Golden groundsel. Some home gardeners know the variety as Senecio aureus. L.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Packera aurea
Common Name:  Golden groundsel
Family:  Compositae
Author:  (L.)Löve.&D.Löve.
 
Known Hazards:  None known
 
Mature Height:  0.8   Mature Width:  0.5
 
Habitat:  Rich calcareous woods and bottoms and upland swamps[43]. Damp thickets and prairies[200].



Medicinal Information:  Golden groundsel is a medicinal plant that is deserving of greater attention[4]. This species was widely used by N. American Indians to treat various complaints of the female reproductive system, and also to ease childbirth[238]. Whilst often stated to be completely safe to use, recent research has found that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that, in isolation, can cause liver damage and so this remedy can no longer be recommended for internal use[238, 254]. The roots and leaves are abortifacient, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, pectoral, stimulant and uterine tonic[4, 46, 165, 207, 222]. It is used externally in the treatment of vaginal discharge[238]. A tea made from the plant was frequently used by the N. American Indians as a remedy for various female troubles, including the pain of childbirth[207, 213]. Pharmacologists have not reported any uterine effects, but the plant does contain an essential oil (inuline) plus the alkaloids senecine and senecionine (which are poisonous to grazing animals)[213]. The plant is harvested before flowering and the roots are harvested in the autumn, both are dried for later use[238].

For further Packera aurea gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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