Wild Quinine (Integrifolium)

The Wild Quinine (Integrifolium) is generally described as a perennial forb/herb. This is native to the U.S. (United States) .

Uses of : Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc.

Ethnobotanic: The Catawba and other tribes in the southeastern United States used wild quinine for medicinal and veterinary purposes. The leaves contain tannin, which is thought to be beneficial for treating burns. The leaves were mashed into a moist, thick paste, which was then applied as a poultice to burns. Burns were also treated by placing the whole, fresh leaves over the wounded area. Tea from the boiled roots was used to treat dysentery. Ashes from burned leaves were used to rub the skin of horses suffering from sore backs. Other: The flowers make long-lasting additions to cut bouquets.

General Characteristics

General: Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). Wild quinine is a perennial, herbaceous forb. Stiff, upright, sometimes hairy stems are single, or branched near the top. Stems (4-12 dm in height) grow from a swollen tuberous root. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate with wavy, toothed margins. Basal leaves are 38 cm long. Stem leaves are alternate, smaller, and sparsely distributed along the stems. The long-lasting, somewhat-yarrow-like flower heads are composed of grayish-white, globular, compound flowers that are 4-6 mm wide. Five, unusually short, ray flowers (1-2mm long) surround the central disk flower corollas, which are 2.5-3 mm long. Only the ray flowers are fertile. The heads are grouped together into an inflorescent spray up to 20 cm in diameter. Flowers have a pleasant but mild medicinal fragrance. The plant flowers from summer through the autumn months.

Required Growing Conditions

For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Habitat: Wild quinine occurs in dry, somewhat heavy soils in prairies, fields, open wooded areas, rocky woods, and hillsides.

Status

Weediness This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed.

General Upkeep and Control

PAIN6"To control the spread of purple passionflower, remove the suckers regularly. The vines may be trained onto a trellis, fence or tree trunk.

Control This plant is listed as a invasive by several authoritative sources listed in the Plants Profile for this species at the PLANTS website. Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely.

Always read the label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective. "