Łódź, Botanical Garden

It is native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. Edible plant - leaves cooked. Herbal plant - the root of this plant is toxic in overdose, it should be used with caution and be completely avoided by pregnant women; some of the medically active ingredients are not soluble in water so a tincture of the root is normally used; roots are alterative, antidote, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypnotic, sedative, tonic and vasodilator, are used in the treatment of rheumatism, as a sedative and an emmenagogue; it is traditionally important in the treatment of women's complaints, acting specifically on the uterus where it eases uterine cramps and has been used to help in childbirth; its sedative action makes it useful for treating a range of other complaints including tinnitus and high blood pressure. Useful plant - both the growing and the dried plant can be used to repel bugs and fleas'; also does not tolerate leguminous plants in the vicinity.