Wingstem

Biological Name:

Verbesina helicterifolia (Wingstem)

Natural Habitat:

Wingstem is a plant native to North America. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.

Description:

Wingstem is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has small white or yellow flowers and opposite oval-shaped leaves. It is often found in moist shaded areas and is used in traditional medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Wingstem used for?
A: Wingstem. From August to October, you can often see these happy, yellow flowers growing along streams. In the past, Wingstem was used as a remedy for gastrointestinal issues and as an external treatment for joint pain.
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Q: What is Pohinahina used for?
A: Traditionally, pōhinahina has been used to treat minor illnesses such as head or stomach pain. Today, most of its cultural use lies within lei making where its fragrant foliage is used for its pleasant smell and longevity once cut. Resources: Lilleeng-Rosenberger, Kerin E.
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Q: Is Wingstem edible?
A: Deer and other mammals avoid eating Wingstem because of its bitter taste. But there are some insects that happily get nourishment from this species. The caterpillars of Silvery Checkerspot butterflies and some moths eat Wingstem leaves.
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Q: Are Balsamroot edible?
A: This plant has long been used for numerous purposes because most of the plant is edible and high in fibre and energy content. The leaves are eaten, raw or cooked, and the seeds are roasted and eaten or ground into flour. The roots contain an immune-stimulating substance and a sap can be used for disinfectant.
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Q: How do I get rid of Wingstem?
A: Removal: You can remove this weed by gloved hand or by tool in early autumn or early spring each year. Due to it being perennial, you need to completely clean out its root system to prevent it from regrowth. Chemical control: If the weed is too much to pull out, herbicides will be helpful for its eradication.
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Q: How tall does Wingstem get?
A: The plant can grow to a height of 5 to 9 feet depending on where is planted. Even though the flowers are beautiful and provide good for insects this is not a plant for a formal garden.
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Q: Are Lungworts poisonous?
A: Another early spring beauty, lungwort, like snowdrops, is toxic to both humans and animals. It’s a delicate perennial which will not attract deer and other destructive animals. It’s also a low-growing plant, though the flower stalks can reach up to 18 inches in height.
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Q: Is Toadshade poisonous?
A: This plant has low severity poison characteristics. Toadshade Trillium is a native perennial found in the eastern United States and the Ozarks in rich, moist woods, in limestone woods, floodplains and along fence rows.
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Q: Are mayapple’s poisonous?
A: Mayapple contains the toxins alpha- and beta- peltatin and podophylloresin. Ingesion of mayapple foliage, roots, or unripe fruit or seeds leads to severe purging gastroenteritis accompanied by vomiting. The least poisonous part of the plant is the ripe fruit, although it can have a cathartic effect.
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Q: Do bees like Wingstem?
A: Very tall, Verbesina alternifolia (Wingstem) is a clump-forming perennial boasting large dome-shaped clusters of bright yellow daisies in late summer to fall. Blooming for 4-6 weeks, they are attractive to bees, butterflies, and skippers.
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Q: How do I get rid of Wingstem?
A: Removal: You can remove this weed by gloved hand or by tool in early autumn or early spring each year. … Chemical control: If the weed is too much to pull out, herbicides will be helpful for its eradication.
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Q: How do you propagate Wingstem?
A: Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established.
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Q: What attract bees the most?
A: Choose blue, purple and yellow: Bees find blue, purple and yellow flowers most appealing. Flat or shallow blossoms, such as daisies, zinnias, asters and Queen Anne’s lace, will attract the largest variety of bees.
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Q: Do bees like to cuddle?
A: Did you know bees cuddle? The bees sleep 5 – 6 hours in a 24 hours period, and many bees hold each other’s legs as they sleep. Some bees sleep in the native flowers. They are completely covered in pollen, which will be spread to pollinate other flowers.
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Q: What color bees cant see?
A: Bees, like many insects, see from approximately 300 to 650 nm. That means they can’t see the color red, but they can see in the ultraviolet spectrum (which humans cannot).
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Q: What smell attract bees?
A: Add plants in the mint family, including peppermint, lavender, basil, and oregano. Bees also like rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, marjoram, and bee balm. The heady perfume of these and other herbs often calls bees to visit your garden.
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Q: Is Wingstem a perennial?
A: Verbesina alternifolia commonly called wingstem or yellow ironweed is a tall, weedy, clump-forming perennial that is native to woodland areas in eastern and central North America.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.