Photo by James Reveal

Rush Pink
Lygodesmia grandiflora  Nutt.

A sparsely to moderately branched rush like plant, 4-20 inches tall with alternate linear leaves and pink flower heads terminating the branches.  Head of ray flower superficially resembles some members of the Pink family.  Stems and leaves of Rush Pink exude a milky juice when cut or bruised; the pinks do not. It flowers in May and June.  It is located in open, dry places in the valley and foothills up to 2400-2700 mountain elevation.  Found in western, eastern, and southern Idaho.

Food Use.  
The leaves may be cooked and used as greens or as a flavoring.

Medicinal Uses. 
The leaves may be chewed to increase the milk flow of lactating mothers.  The plant sap has been used to heal the sores caused by sunburn.

Planting. 
They should be planted in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.  Division should also be tried in the spring.

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