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colicroot
Scientific Name: Aletris
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Colicroot: A Botanical Overview
Colicroot is a common name applied to several plants, most notably those belonging to the genus Aletris. This plant has a history of traditional use in folk medicine, particularly for treating colic. It's often found in open, sandy sites and remnant prairie habitats.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The fresh root of some Colicroot species is considered a known hazard.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aletris spp.
- Common Names: Colicroot, Unicorn Root, White Colicroot, Yellow Colicroot, Ague Root, Star Grass, Aloe Root, Crow Corn, Devil's Bit, False Unicorn Root, Starwort, Ague Grass, Black Root, Bittergrass, Bettie Grass, Colic Weed
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily family) or Nartheciaceae (depending on the source).
- Synonyms: Aletris alba Michx., Aletris lucida Raf.
- Aletris farinosa L. is also known as White Colicroot.
- Aletris aurea and Aletris lutea are known as Yellow Colicroot.
Distribution and Habitat
- Colicroot is native to North America, particularly eastern North America.
- It is found in open, often sandy sites and remnant, disturbance-dependent prairie habitats.
- Specific locations mentioned include southwestern Ontario, Florida, and Illinois.
- Preferred habitats include bogs and moist meadows.
Morphological Characteristics
- Colicroot is a herbaceous perennial plant.
- It has a tall flowering stalk that can reach 40 to 100 centimeters (approximately 1-3 feet).
- The flowers are typically white to creamy white or yellow, arranged in a spikelike cluster or raceme.
- The basal leaves form a low rosette.
- The perianths of the flowers have a rough texture.
- The rootstock is thick and fibrous, producing a rosette of yellow-green, long, pointed, lanceolate, spreading basal leaves.
Traditional Uses
- Historically, Colicroot has been used in folk medicine to treat colic, hence its common name.
- It was a component in Lydia Pinkham's remedies.
Ecological Information
- In southwestern Ontario, Colicroot is restricted to remnant, disturbance-dependent prairie habitats.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Colicroot" originates from the historical belief that it could cure colic.
- The rough texture of the flower perianths is an unusual characteristic.
Further Resources
- Ontario Wildflowers provides photos and information on Aletris farinosa.
- Illinois Plant Information Network (ILPIN) provides distribution information for Aletris farinosa in Illinois.
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aletris farinosa.