An erect and unbranched perennial herbaceous plant which can reach a height of 2 Meters (7 feet). Leaves are alternate; each leaf is divided into an even number of oval leaflets usually five to ten pairs about 2.5cm (1") long. Flowers have 5 regular parts. They are yellow with light green blotches; petals are somewhat unequal in size. Fruit are curved seed pods about 7.5cm (3") long with flattened hairs. Seeds about twice as wide as long with rounded sides depressed in the center.
Herb Effects
Cathartic, diuretic and vermifuge (leaves and seedpods); cardiac and febrifuge (roots)
The seeds have been soaked in water until they are mucilaginous and then swallowed as a treatment for sore throats. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of fevers and heart problems. A poultice of the root has been used in treating sores.