Common Name:

General Information

Brickellia grandiflora is a perennial plant with branched stems growing 30 - 95cm tall from a thickened taproot[].
The plant is harvested from the wild mainly for medicinal use but also for food and as a broom. It is also grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

The seeds are poisonous[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - British Colombia and Alberta, south to California and Texas.

Habitat

Rocky hillsides, shaded forests, dry slopes, canyons; at elevations from 1,200 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in any moderately fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in full sun or in light shade[]. Grows well in a sandy loam[].

Edible Uses

The seeds, combined with the seeds of other plants, are ground into a powder and used as a 'baking powder' to improve the cakes[]. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The dried, powdered leaves, mixed with water, are used as a salve to ease rheumatic pain[]. A cold infusion of the dried leaves is used as a treatment for headaches and influenza[].

The plant is carminative. It is used as a ceremonial emetic[]. An infusion is used as a liver medicine as well as in the treatment of flatulence and after having overeaten[].

Other Uses

Bunches of the branches, tied together, are used as rough brooms[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[].