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Common Name: Taper Leaf

General Information

Pericome caudata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California to Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas, to Mexico.

Habitat

Among rocks, boulders, on talus slopes, bluffs, crags, canyons, disturbed roadsides, in volcanic, limestone, and sandstone substrates at elevations of 1400 - 3300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It is probably quite cold tolerant, but is likely to have problems with the damp climate in Britain. It is therefore more likely to succeed outdoors in the eastern part of the country, particularly if a dry site can be found.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Antirheumatic[].
A decoction of the root has been used to treat general body pain and coughs[]. It has also been taken to facilitate delivery of the placenta in childbirth[]. A poultice of the heated root has been used to treat toothache[].
The fresh leaves have been crushed and sniffed to treat headaches[]. A cold infusion of the leaves has been used as an emetic and as a febrifuge[].
A compound containing the stems has been used as a shampoo to prevent falling hair[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species, but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. Use a freely-draining compost and only just cover, or surface-sow the seed, but ensure that it does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on for at least one year before planting out in their permanent positions in early summer.