Redroot

Some 50-60 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs or small trees, belong to this N American genus, which is mainly western in distribution. Some species grow in arid places and live in association with a soil fungus that provides the roots with nitrogen. The blue-flowered species are among the most popular garden shrubs for mild areas. Less ornamental, but interesting for its medicinal properties is C. americanus, which is found in eastern N America. It ws used as a substitute for tea during the American Revolution and is a parent of many hybrids. The Cherokee people of N America used C. americanus externally to treat skin cancer and venereal sores. Several other species are used medicinally, including C cuneatus (buckbrush), C. integerrimus (deerbrush), and C. velutinus (tobacco brush), which are interchangeable and generally known as redroot. They benefit the circulatory and lymphatic systems, control bleeding, and are effective astringents for inflammations of the throat and mouth.

Small, deciduous shrub with tough, dark red roots and ovate leaves, to 10cm (4in) long. Dense, long-stalked panicles of tiny, off-white flowers appear in summer, followed by triangular seed pods.


Common Name:
Redroot
Other Names:
New Jersey Tea
Botanical Name:
Ceanothus americanus
Genus:
Ceanothus
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Location:
Eastern C and SE United States, and S Canada
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun. Dislikes alkaline conditions but tolerates poor, dry soils. Cut back to within 8-10cm (3-4in) of the previous season's growth in spring. Scale insects may attack stems. Dislikes disturbance.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:
Roots are harvested from mid-summer to mid-winter, and dried for use in decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Leaves are gathered during the flowering period and dried.
Height:
1m (3ft)
:Width
45cm (18in)
Hardiness:
Z4-8
Parts Used:
Roots
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, cleansing herb that is expectorant, relaxes spasms, and has a tonic effect on the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for colds, bronchitis, whooping cough, tonsilitis, diphtheria, sinusitis, enlarged spleen, abnormal uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, and depression. Contraindicated during pregnancy, and when suffering from blood disorders or taking medications that effect blood clotting.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves are used as a caffiene-free tea substitute.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.159-160