Aletris spicata - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
spicata
ID:
756026
Status:
valid
Authors:
(Thunb.) Franch.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1896
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. (Morot) 10: 199 (1896)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000755359
Common Names
- Aletris spicata
- Spicate Star Grass
- Spicate Blazing Star
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesDescription
Aletris spicata (also called Star Grass, Blazing Star, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States. It has a thick, fleshy, white rootstock and a single, erect stem bearing a terminal spike of small, white flowers. It grows in moist, sandy soils in open woods, thickets and roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Aletris spicata is used to treat digestive problems, urinary tract infections, and respiratory issues. It is also used as an antispasmodic and to reduce inflammation. It is believed to have sedative and calming effects, and is used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Aletris spicata has small, white, star-shaped flowers with six petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are short and slender.
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Aletris spicata is a perennial plant that is best grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is done by division or by seed. The seeds should be sown in late spring or early summer in a warm, humid environment and kept moist until germination occurs.
Where to Find Aletris spicata
Aletris spicata is native to the southeastern United States, from Florida to Texas and north to Virginia.
Aletris spicata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Aletris spicata?
Aletris spicata
What are the common names of Aletris spicata?
Colicroot, Star Grass, Blazing Star
What is the native range of Aletris spicata?
Eastern and Central North America
Species in the Aletris genus
Aletris alpestris, Aletris aurea, Aletris bracteata, Aletris capitata, Aletris cinerascens, Aletris farinosa, Aletris foliata, Aletris foliolosa, Aletris glabra, Aletris glandulifera, Aletris gracilis, Aletris laxiflora, Aletris lutea, Aletris megalantha, Aletris nana, Aletris obovata, Aletris pauciflora, Aletris pedicellata, Aletris scopulorum, Aletris spicata, Aletris stenoloba, Aletris tottenii, Aletris yaanica, Aletris simpliciflora, Aletris foliata,
Species in the Nartheciaceae family
Aletris alpestris, Aletris aurea, Aletris bracteata, Aletris capitata, Aletris cinerascens, Aletris farinosa, Aletris foliata, Aletris foliolosa, Aletris glabra, Aletris glandulifera, Aletris gracilis, Aletris laxiflora, Aletris lutea, Aletris megalantha, Aletris nana, Aletris obovata, Aletris pauciflora, Aletris pedicellata, Aletris scopulorum, Aletris spicata, Aletris stenoloba, Aletris tottenii, Aletris yaanica, Aletris simpliciflora, Aletris foliata, Lophiola aurea, Metanarthecium luteoviride, Narthecium reverchonii, Narthecium scardicum, Narthecium americanum, Narthecium ossifragum, Narthecium montanum, Narthecium asiaticum, Narthecium californicum, Narthecium balansae, Nietneria corymbosa, Nietneria paniculata,
References
Adrien René Franchet (1834-1900): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Franch.' in the authors string.
Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Thunb.' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:429565-1: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.