Stephanomeria pauciflora
StarStephanomeria pauciflora
Synonyms: Ptiloria cinerea, Jamesia pauciflora, Stephanomeria lygodesmoides, Ptiloria divaricata, Prenanthes parviflora, Stephanomeria runcinata var. parishii, Ptiloria pauciflora, Stephanomeria haleyi, Stephanomeria cinerea, Stephanomeria pauciflora var. parishii, Ptiloria lygodesmoides, Lygodesmia pauciflora, Prenanthes pauciflora
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
The Hopi used the root in various preparations to increase a nursing mother's milk supply (Whiting, 1939). The Kayenta Navajo used the roots as a narcotic, and both Kayenta and Ramah Navajo, as well as the Kawaiisu, used the thickened latex as chewing gum (Wyman & Harris, 1951; Vestal, 1952; Zigmond, 1981). The Ramah Navajo took a strong infusion of the root to hasten delivery of the placenta and considered the root a panacea or "life medicine" (Vestal, 1952). The Kayenta Navajo also incorporated the plant as a paint ingredient for chant arrows used in ceremonies (Wyman & Harris, 1951).
Botanical Description
Stephanomeria pauciflora, commonly known as brownplume wirelettuce or desert straw, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to arid regions of the western and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It forms a compact, intricately branched, broom-like subshrub typically 20 to 60 cm tall, arising from a deep, woody taproot. The slender, rigid, greenish stems are nearly leafless at maturity, with small, linear to lanceolate basal and lower stem leaves that are often deciduous early in the season. The plant exudes a milky latex when broken. Flower heads are small, sparsely arranged, and contain four to six pink, lavender, or whitish ligulate (ray-like) florets typical of the chicory tribe; phyllaries are arranged in two unequal series. Fruits are tan to brownish achenes topped by a pappus of plumose (feathery) bristles that aid wind dispersal. It flowers from late spring through autumn and thrives on dry slopes, plains, and rocky desert soils. (POWO; Flora of North America)
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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