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Triosteum perfoliatum - L.

Common Name Wild Coffee, Feverwort
Family Caprifoliaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Rich soils[235]. Shady positions in forests on limestone soils[213].
Range Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Alabama, Kentucky and Kansas, west to Nebraska.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Triosteum perfoliatum Wild Coffee, Feverwort


www.epa.gov
Triosteum perfoliatum Wild Coffee, Feverwort
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 3

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Triosteum perfoliatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Coffee

The dried and roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute[2, 207, 222]. Opinions on the taste vary wildly[207].

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.
Cathartic  Diaphoretic  Diuretic  Emetic  Febrifuge  Laxative  Pectoral  Poultice  
Stomachic

A decoction of the leaves is diaphoretic[222]. It is used in the treatment of fever and ague[207, 213]. The roots are diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, pectoral and stomachic[222, 257]. In large doses they are emetic and cathartic[222]. An infusion of the root has been used to treat severe colds, pneumonia, irregular or profuse menses, painful urination, stomach problems and constipation[222, 257]. The infusion has also been used as an aid to putting on weight for both adults and babies[257]. A poultice of the roots is applied to snakebites, sores and felons[222]. An infusion of the plant has been used for soaking sore feet. An ooze from the plant has been used as a wash for swollen legs[257]. The rhizome contains an alkaloid and has been used as a cathartic[213].

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

Succeeds in a light humus-rich soil in part shade[200]. Succeeds in the wild or woodland garden[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in early spring. 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. Division in spring[200].

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

L.

Botanical References

200235

Links / References

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