Geocaulon lividum - False Toadflax

Family:	Santalaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.04
Synonyms:
Range:	Northern N. America - Labrador to Alaska.

Geocaulon lividum (False Toadflax) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.04m . 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

Soil Information

False Toadflax 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
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
False Toadflax prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

False Toadflax can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Moss or damp humus[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 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 plant might be a root parasite[K]. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Fruit[177, 257]. No more details are given.

• Fruit -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A decoction of the chewed leaves and bark has been used as a purgative[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves and bark has been applied to wounds[257].

• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
• Purgative - A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in spring in a greenhouse. The plant might be a root parasite, further research is required. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

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

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