(Chamaelirium luteum)
False unicorn is increasingly rare because the mature plant is endangered in some areas) due to overharvesting for medicinal purposes. Our seed and plants are grown only from cultivated plants in our own nursery. A member of the Lily family, false unicorn is found in low moist woods and on cooler north and northeastern slopes, especially in the Appalachian mountains. It ranges from the Atlantic seaboard, west to the Mississippi, and from southern Canada to the deep South and Ozark plateau. Immature plants have long smooth leaves arranged in a basal rosette. After reaching maturity (typically 7 years in the wild), the plants send up a showy flowering stalk covered with small, numerous yellow-white flowers. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Mature plants can easily be divided, or the rhizome can be cut transversely into disks that will grow into new plants. Medicinal: A strong bitter and one of the best reproductive tonics and amphoterics (normalizes function). Stimulates ovarian hormones, especially after years of contraceptives or early menopause. Also a diuretic and vermifuge. Warning: Contraindicated for pregnant women. In large doses it acts as a cardiac poison. Note: False Unicorn is best planted from mid-September through December.
Details:
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| Flowers: | | Tiny white flowers borne on a single spike. |
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| Foliage: | | Grows as a basal rosette of leaves until mature enough to flower |
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| Lifecycle: | | 2 (0: N/A, 1: annual, 2: perennial, 3: biennial) |
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| Height: | | 2 to 4 inches (vegetative) |
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| Heirloom: | | no |
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| Container Planting: | | no |
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Cultural Requirements:
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| USDA Zones: | | 4 to 9 |
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| Soil: | | Well-drained and high in organic matter. |
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| Propagation / Germination: | | Seeds need to be stratified over the winter or stratified artificially to germinate. Excellent germination when properly stratified. Germinates in early May in Virgina when sown in late fall/early winter. Detailed cultural information included with seed. |
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| Spacing: | | 12 |
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| Sun: | | Shade loving (about 70% shade) |
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| Pests and Diseases: | | None noted under our conditions. |
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Garden Medicinals offers over 220 varieties of medicinal and culinary herb seeds, roots, potato onions, specialty garlic varieties, and select heirloom vegetable and ethnic flower seed. All seeds are non-gmo, open-pollinated and untreated. Most seeds are naturally grown and a few are certified organic. Our vegetable seeds do especially well in hot, humid climates where vegetable production can be difficult. Our herb selection also includes dormant root stock of ginger, ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, false unicorn, and wild yam.
Note: Medicinal uses of herbs mentioned in our store are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see a qualified medical practitioner for diagnosis if you have a health problem.
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