Status:
valid
Authors:
E.P.Bicknell
Source:
tro
Year:
1901
Citation Micro:
Torreya 1: 26 (1901)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001290748
Common Names
- Horse Gentian
- Orange Bitter-root
- Tinker's Weed
Description
Triosteum aurantiacum (also called orange-fruited horse gentian, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Quebec south to Georgia and Alabama. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2–3 m tall, with opposite, toothed, ovate leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Triosteum aurantiacum is a medicinal plant, used to treat fever, headaches, and digestive problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Triosteum aurantiacum var. illinoense (Wiegand) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.
Triosteum aurantiacum var. glaucescens Wiegand
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Triosteum aurantiacum has small, yellow flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small, with dark green, oval-shaped leaves and yellow flowers.
Cultivation and Propagation
Triosteum aurantiacum is a deciduous shrub that is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, while cuttings should be taken in early summer.
Where to Find Triosteum aurantiacum
Triosteum aurantiacum is native to the eastern United States and Canada, from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas.
Species in the Triosteum genus
Species in the Caprifoliaceae family
Bassecoia bretschneideri,
Bassecoia siamensis,
Bassecoia hookeri,
Cephalaria duzceensis,
Cephalaria alpina,
Cephalaria ambrosioides,
Cephalaria anatolica,
Cephalaria aristata,
Cephalaria armeniaca,
Cephalaria armerioides,
Cephalaria armoraciifolia,
Cephalaria attenuata,
Cephalaria axillaris,
Cephalaria aytachii,
Cephalaria balansae,
Cephalaria balkharica,
Cephalaria beijiangensis,
Cephalaria calcarea,
Cephalaria cedrorum,
Cephalaria charadzeae,
Cephalaria cilicica,
Cephalaria coriacea,
Cephalaria dagestanica,
Cephalaria decurrens,
Cephalaria demetrii,
Cephalaria dichaetophora,
Cephalaria dirmilensis,
Cephalaria ekimiana,
Cephalaria elazigensis,
Cephalaria elmaliensis,
Cephalaria fanourii,
Cephalaria flava,
Cephalaria foliosa,
Cephalaria galpiniana,
Cephalaria gazipashensis,
Cephalaria gigantea,
Cephalaria goetzei,
Cephalaria hakkiarica,
Cephalaria hirsuta,
Cephalaria humilis,
Cephalaria integrifolia,
Cephalaria isaurica,
Cephalaria joppensis,
Cephalaria juncea,
Cephalaria katangensis,
Cephalaria kesruanica,
Cephalaria kotschyi,
Cephalaria laevigata,
Cephalaria leucantha,
Cephalaria litvinovii,