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Galinsoga parviflora - Cav.

Common Name Gallant Soldier
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards The plant is considered to be poisonous to goats[272].
Habitats Arable land, waste places, pavements in towns etc[9, 17], often in partial shade[85].
Range S. America. Naturalized in S. Britain.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Galinsoga parviflora Gallant Soldier


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Galinsoga_parviflora_Sturm16.jpg
Galinsoga parviflora Gallant Soldier
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jeantosti

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Galinsoga parviflora is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Shoots  Stem
Edible Uses: Condiment  Drink

The leaves, stem and flowering shoots - raw or cooked and eaten as a potherb, or added to soups and stews[55, 62, 144, 183]. They can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a flavouring in soups etc[183]. A bland but very acceptable food[85, 144], it makes a fine salad either on its own or mixed with other leaves[9]. The fresh juice can be mixed and drunk with tomato or vegetable juices[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Stings

When rubbed onto the body, the plant is useful in treating nettle stings[240]. The juice of the plant is applied to treat wounds, It helps to coagulate the blood of fresh cuts and wounds[272].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils preferring well-drained conditions and full sun or partial shade.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ[200]. Germination usually takes place within a month.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Cav.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Phil Sumption   Tue Jul 31 2007

Organic Weed Management website Information on the occurence (UK), biology and management of this plant

Norman Hall   Wed Nov 19 2008

Well known in Colombia, South America, as Guascas. This herb is an essential ingredient of the Bogota chicken and potato stew/ soup known as ajiaco Grows well in NW UK - to the extent it is a persistent weed in my garden. This year it is still flowering (a little) in mid November

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Subject : Galinsoga parviflora  
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