Bastard Toad-Flax
Comandra umbellata Nutt.
A perennial plant with underground stems that rise to form small clones.
Stems are numerous from a horizontal, branching rootstalk, 6 to 18 inches tall,
usually branched and leafy. Leaves are oblong or oblong lanceolate, pale
green and pointed at each end, 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long, the lower ones smaller.
There are numerous clusters of white to greenish
flowers top the stems. Each five-lobed flower is only about three-sixteenths of
an inch long. The plant is located in dry fields and thickets, especially
sandy soil. in
a wide range of habitats, up to about 3,200 feet in the mountains.
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive lime-free soil. It
blooms from April to August and is found throughout most of the country.
Uses
Food: Though small, the fruits have a sweet taste and were consumed by Native
Americans during times of want.
Medicinal Uses:
An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat lung pains and laboured
breathing caused by a cold or other illness. The juice of the plant has been
applied externally to treat cuts and sores.