A robust, upright, clump forming perennial herb with purplish stems and long (up to 12”) leaves. Grows to about 6 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. The thick, fleshy tubular flowers are large (to 2 1/2” long), brick red to orange-red, carried on racemes up to 18 inches long. Blooms mid summer to mid autumn.

Abortifacient, hallucinogen and narcotic (plant)

Plants For A Future

A juice pressed from the leaves is used in the treatment of toothache. The plant is smoked as an intoxicant.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 740, CRC Press July 2002.