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Common Name: False Toadflax

General Information

Geocaulon lividum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.04 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern N. America - Labrador to Alaska.

Habitat

Moss or damp humus[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.04 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The plant might be a root parasite[]. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Edible Uses

Fruit[, ]. No more details are given.

Medicinal

A decoction of the chewed leaves and bark has been used as a purgative[]. A poultice of the chewed leaves and bark has been applied to wounds[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in spring in a greenhouse. The plant might be a root parasite, further research is required. 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.