(Cebadilla, Deer's Ears, Elkweed, Monument Plant)
Swertia radiata
Family: Gentianaceae
Herbaceous alpine plant. Native to the mountains of the Western United
States. With the help of Scott Lindley, a dedicated herbalist who
has the energy to return, time after time, to an isolated stand of alpine
plants in order to find this seed in readiness, we finally have the opportunity
to offer this rare indigenous herb. The large, graceful, smooth-leaved
basal rosette can abide for scores of years without flowering. After
sending up the monumental, green-flowered stalk, it sets seed and dies.
The attraction of this plant is evident by the number of common names it
has been given. Medicinally, the dried root is a valuable bitter
tonic and laxative, useful as tea or tincture for arresting dispepsia or
as an occasional stimulating laxative. The fresh root must
not be taken internally, as it is a violent cathartic. The dosage
of dried root should be carefully regulated, as the effects of this plant
are decidedly more drastic than the more commonly employed Yellow Gentian
(Gentiana lutea). Cultivation: Challenging.
Sow seed in the fall, midwinter or very early spring, in outdoor nursery
beds or in an unheated greenhouse. Requires cold, moist conditioning
prior to germination. Some seed will break dormancy and grow in the
first year, and more will germinate in the spring of the second year.
Prefers moist, rich soils and partial shade. Grows on slopes and
at elevation, even as high as 10,000 feet. Space plants 3 feet apart.
Flowers in conspicuous green whorls on a stalk rising as tall as six feet.
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