About Whiteflower Leafcup
Polymnia canadensis, which is part of the Sunflower Family is commonly known as whiteflower leafcup and is easily identified by its' small flowers that bloom in late summer. The flowers can be "ray flowers" or those flowers with white petals (usually five to eight petals) or, they can be "disk flowers" that have a yellow center like a daisy. The bases of opposite leaves expand and fuse forming a small cup around the stem, which is how the plant gets its name. The lance-shaped lobed lower leaves that are coarsely toothed and fringed with short hairs are large in comparison to the small delicate ray or disk flowers. Leaves on the upper part of the plant are smaller and triangular in shape. This plant grows in clumps on weak hairy stems, and usually has many branches that are floppy. This plant likes moist soil, shady forests with calcareous or chalky limestone soil and ravines. The sap is clear and slightly sticky with a sweet fragrance. This is a biennial or short-lived perennial.
Medicinal Uses
This pretty plant is used by the Houma as a dermatological aid by making a poultice of crushed leaves and applying them to treat swellings. The Iroquois use this plant as a remedy to treat toothaches.
Did You Know
Crushed leaves have a strong lemony scent.
Another name of the whiteflower leafcup is "bears foot".
Only ray flowers of this plant produce seeds and a single plant may produce more than 100 flower heads.
Whiteflower Leafcup is an excellent nectar plant and visited by many bees and wasps.
The genus name, Polymnia canadensis is a reference to the Greek Muse Polymnia, goddess of music, dance, and song.
About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)
Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.
About 6-7 years ago, these started growing in a shaded, hill area of my yard. Thought it was a weed initially. Found out it was a wildflower that the birds and bees like, so I let it grow now. Deer won't touch it I've noticed. It grows super fast, and is everywhere around my yard, mainly along the treeline and seems to do better in the shadier area. It is doing VERY well here in my yard lol. More than happy to send some to you when the flowers bloom. Mine are more of the daisy looking ones.
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