Cacalia atriplicifolia -

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.8
Synonyms:	Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (L.)H.E.Robins.
Range:	Eastern N. America - New York to Minnesota, south to Florida and Oklahoma.

Cacalia atriplicifolia () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.8m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Cacalia atriplicifolia will flower in January to March. the seeds ripen from February to April
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Cacalia atriplicifolia will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
Cacalia atriplicifolia prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Cacalia atriplicifolia can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Dry open woods, thickets and openings[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist peaty or leafy lime-free soil in shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants tend to be somewhat invasive, they are best suited to naturalizing in the wild or woodland garden[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young leaves - cooked[177]. Used as a potherb[183]. The powdered leaves are used as a seasoning[257].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The leaves have been used as a poultice for cuts, bruises and cancers, and also to draw out blood or poisonous materials[222, 257].

• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a cold frame. Surface sow or only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade until they are large enough to plant out. Division in spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada
Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Author: Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.
Date of Publication : 1970

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