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Common Name: Deathweed

General Information

Iva axillaris is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - southern British Columbia to Manitoba, south to California and Texas.

Habitat

Dry often alkaline places in plains, valleys and foothills, often on disturbed sites[]. Seasonally wet, saline habitats at elevations of 10 - 2500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 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 habitat, it is likely to succeed outdoors in many parts of the country.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Stomachic, antispasmodic[].
The plant has been used to cause abortion and to prevent conception[]. An infusion of the plant has been used, especially for children, as a treatment for colds, stomachaches, cramps and diarrhoea[].
The leaves have been used as a plaster or as an infusion used as a wash for sores or skin irritations[].
A cold infusion of the root has been used to treat bowel disorders[]. Raw, roasted or boiled, the root has been eaten to treat indigestion[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species, but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring, only just covering the seed and ensuring it does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring.