SafePlants

Lachnanthes caroliniana (Carolina Redroot, Spirit-weed)

Lachnanthes caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Redroot or Spirit-weed, is a fascinating monocotyledonous plant with a rich history of traditional uses. It's also known as Paint Root or Wood Flower.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that extracts of the roots yielded phenolic products.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has been known as Paint Root, implying its use as a dye.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy
• Synonyms: Dilatris caroliniana Lamarck, Lachnanthes tinctoria (Walter ex J.F.Gmel.) Elliott, Lachnanthes tinctoria, Lachnanthes tinctorium, Gyrotheca tinctoria, Gyrotheca tinctorium, Lachnanthes caroliana
• Family: Haemodoraceae (Bloodwort family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Lachnanthes caroliniana is native to North America.
• It thrives in wet environments, including sandy swamps, bogs, wet pine flatwoods, pine savannas, and ditches.
• The plant has been found in Nova Scotia, Canada and throughout Florida.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Lachnanthes caroliniana is a perennial herb, growing up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) tall.
• It has orange-red-pigmented roots.
• The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).
• Leaves are clustered at the base and scattered on the stem.
• Flowers are loosely woolly.

Etymology

• The genus name Lachnanthes comes from the Greek words "lachne," meaning wool, and "anthos," meaning flower, referring to the pubescent flowers.

Ecological Role

• It is a wetland plant.

Traditional and Homeopathic Uses

• Lachnanthes tinctoria has been used as a homeopathic remedy.
• It is indicated for conditions affecting the head, chest, and circulation, and for torticollis.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• In some areas, it can co-dominate with Xyris fimbriata and/or Lachnanthes caroliana.
• The plant is reputed to cause dermatitis in white-skinned pigs and pink discoloration of their bones.

Further Information

• The Plant List includes 1 accepted species name for the genus Lachnanthes.
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI) has information on Lachnanthes tinctoria Elliott.