Tormentil
Potentilla tormentilla
Family: Rosaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe and temperate Asia.
A crown of yellow flowers graces the low-lying rosette composed of the
six-lobed leaves. The plant is common in moist places in the high
country, and learning to identify it can be valuable. A tea composed
of the fresh roots simmered in water will effectively reverse “hiker’s
diarrhea,” usually caused by drinking water containing exotic bacteria.
Do not use tea for more than four days running (pun) due to high tannin
content. Cultivation: Extra care. Light-dependent germinator.
Sow in spring or summer. Likes full sun and moist soil. Thin
or transplant to 1 foot apart. Flowers to 2 feet tall.
Return
to Herb Seed Index