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richweed

Scientific Name: Collinsonia canadensis

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: WI (Canada horse-balm)

       

Collinsonia canadensis: An Overview

Collinsonia canadensis, commonly known as Canada Horsebalm or Richweed, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has a strong scent, which may be attractive or repulsive to some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves of this plant have serrate (pointed) edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Collinsonia canadensis L.
  • Family: Lamiaceae (or Labiatae), the mint family.
  • Group: Dicot
  • Synonyms: Collinsonia cuneata, Collinsonia decussata.
  • Symbol: COCA4

Common Names

  • Canada Horsebalm
  • Richweed
  • Hardhack
  • Heal-All
  • Stone Root
  • Horse Balm

Morphological Characteristics

  • Erect perennial.
  • Strong-scented.
  • Serrate pointed leaves.
  • Loose panicle of yellowish flowers.
  • Smooth stem.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in rich hardwood forests throughout the Eastern United States.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically used medicinally for conditions such as hemorrhoids and sore throats.
  • The oils in the leaves have been used for tea.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mentioned in the context of milk sickness, potentially due to toxicological and chemical properties, though it also references White Snakeroot as a possible cause.

Further Information

  • Toadshade Wildflower Farm, a mail-order nursery in Frenchtown, NJ, specializes in Collinsonia canadensis (Richweed, Stoneroot, Horsebalm).