Gnaphalium

Starr 030523-0063 Gnaphalium sandwicensium

Gnaphalium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Commonly known as cudweeds, these plants are found in various regions around the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus includes both annual and perennial species, many of which are known for their woolly or hairy leaves and stems.

Description

Gnaphalium species are typically small, herbaceous plants. They often have a distinctive woolly or felt-like texture due to the presence of dense, white hairs on their leaves and stems. The leaves are usually arranged alternately along the stem and can vary in shape from linear to lanceolate. The flowers are small and clustered in dense, terminal heads. The flower heads are usually composed of numerous tiny florets, which can be white, yellow, or pink.

Habitat

Gnaphalium species are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, forests, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. They are often found in dry, sandy, or rocky soils and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions.

Uses

Some species of Gnaphalium have been used in traditional medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They have been used to treat conditions such as colds, coughs, and skin irritations. Additionally, certain species are used in herbal teas and as culinary herbs.

Notable Species

• Gnaphalium uliginosum - Commonly known as marsh cudweed, this species is found in wet, marshy areas.
• Gnaphalium luteoalbum - Known as Jersey cudweed, it is found in sandy soils and coastal areas.
• Gnaphalium polycephalum - Also known as many-headed cudweed, it is native to North America.

Related Pages

• Asteraceae
• Herbal medicine
• Flora