A half-hardy semi-woody sub-shrub that grows 18-30 in (46-76 cm) tall. The plant is bushy with many smooth, upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 3 in (7.6 cm) long, and shiny medium green. It bears clusters of small yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) across and have 3-5 golden-yellow ray florets.

Analgesic, anaesthetic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antidote, candidicide, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, hypotensive, myorelaxant, nematicide, narcotic, sedative, hallucinogenic, stimulant and pediculicide (leaves and whole plant)

Plants For A Future

The whole plant and leaves are used internally in the treatment of cholera, colic, cramps, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, nausea, indigestion, hiccups, gastrosis, gonorrhea, salmonella and shigella infections, stomachache, streptococcal infections and yeast infections. Externally, it is used to treat scorpion bites, fungal infections and to remove ticks and lice.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 714-715, CRC Press July 2002.