Took friends plant hunting with me today. I found Grancy Graybeard, a wild native species, aka Chionanthus virginicus aka Fringe Tree. It is commonly used as a lawn ornamental here in the south, beautiful while in bloom. It's more or less a large shrub. This one was about 10ft tall.
In the wild it's common near lookout mtn, sand mtn and in bankhead national forest, the northern part of the state. I've seen it many times there. But i have never seen it growing wild locally. Not once until today!!! Love it when i find something new!
It's a very medicinal plant, mostly used for liver and gallbladder issues. In the 1800’s Eclectic doctors used it as a specific treatment for jaundice. It's also used to treat diabetes mellitus. I don't use it because it doesn't grow close to me. Still, it's a good tree to know... oh... the root bark is the part used to make tincture or a tea. It's extremely bitter, so be prepared for that.
In the wild it's common near lookout mtn, sand mtn and in bankhead national forest, the northern part of the state. I've seen it many times there. But i have never seen it growing wild locally. Not once until today!!! Love it when i find something new!
It's a very medicinal plant, mostly used for liver and gallbladder issues. In the 1800’s Eclectic doctors used it as a specific treatment for jaundice. It's also used to treat diabetes mellitus. I don't use it because it doesn't grow close to me. Still, it's a good tree to know... oh... the root bark is the part used to make tincture or a tea. It's extremely bitter, so be prepared for that.
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