Eupatorium capillifolium - Dogfennel

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	3
Synonyms:
Range:	Eastern N. America - New Jersey to Vancouver, south to Florida.

Eupatorium capillifolium (Dogfennel) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 3m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Dogfennel will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important 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
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Dogfennel prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Dogfennel can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Borders of woods, clearings, fields and roadsides[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species but, judging by its habitat, it should be hardy in Britain. Other members of this genus succeed in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. An aggressive and weedy species[43].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The entire plant is applied externally as a remedy for the bites of reptiles and insects[61].

• Stings - Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[111]. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The plant is used as a strewing herb and to discourage insects[61].

• Repellent - Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
• Strewing - Plants, usually aromatic, that are strewn on the floor to give a nice smell, repel insects etc.

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

Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas
Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J
Author: Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J
Rating: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm
Publisher : An excellent flora, which is also available on-line.
Date of Publication : 1999

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