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asthmaweed
Scientific Name: Conyza floribunda
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Biennial
Other Names:
Asthma Weed
Several plants are referred to as "Asthma Weed," which can lead to confusion. This article will cover the various plants that can be referred to as Asthma Weed including Euphorbia hirta, Lobelia inflata, Parietaria judaica and Erigeron sumatrensis.
Considerations for Pets
- Euphorbia hirta: It is reported that all Euphorbias are toxic if eaten and the sap (latex) is a serious skin and eye irritant.
Considerations for Children
- Euphorbia hirta: It is reported that all Euphorbias are toxic if eaten and the sap (latex) is a serious skin and eye irritant.
- Parietaria judaica: The sticky hairs on the plant's leaves and stem may produce a skin rash in sensitive people.
Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Weed, Pill-Bearing Spurge)
Euphorbia hirta is an herb known by several common names, including Asthma Weed, Pill-Bearing Spurge, Cats hair, snake weed, milk weeds, and Common Spurge. It is sometimes referred to as Australian Asthma Weed.
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Synonyms: Chamaesyce gemella, Chamaesyce karwinskyi, Desmonema hirta, Euphorbia pilulifera, Chamaesyce hirta
This plant is described as an annual hairy herb with many branches from the base. It has slender red stems and pairs of opposite leaves that may have red streaks on the center. The plant can grow with spreading to erect stems, typically up to 80 cm long, but rarely reaching 100 cm.
Lobelia inflata (Asthma Weed, Indian Tobacco)
Lobelia inflata is also known as Indian-Tobacco, Pukeweed, Emetic Herb, Barfweed, Heaveleaf, Vomitwort, Gagroot, and Lobelia.
- Family: Lobeliaceae
- Synonyms: Rapuntium inflatum
Lobelia inflata, when dried, contains several alkaloids including lobeline, lobelamine, and lobelanidine. It is important to exercise caution when using this plant.
Parietaria judaica (Asthma Weed, Pellitory)
In Australia, Parietaria judaica is commonly confused with Parietaria debilis. It is related to stinging nettles, and is often referred to as Asthma Weed and Pellitory.
It is described as a many-branched perennial herb that grows up to one metre high with green, soft leaves.
Erigeron sumatrensis (Asthmaweed)
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Considerations
- Asthma Weed pollen may cause asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and hay fever. Contact with plants may cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
Ecological Role and Interactions
Euphorbia hirta is considered a weed in some contexts. It is known for its high incidence of allergy in Australia.
Traditional Uses and Properties of Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia hirta has traditionally been used to treat asthma and other ailments. It is reported to act as an anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent, and to have antioxidant properties.