False Unicorn
The US Department of Agriculture and the authors make no claims about the healing properties of these plants and/or their curative abilities. This information is presented to summarize traditional and folkloric medicinal uses of herbs, and is not intended to take the place of a professional medical opinion or to serve for self-diagnosis or treatment. Some of the plants listed here are toxic and should only be used by licensed professionals who can process them properly. Additionally, some of the traditional uses for these herbs have since proven to be ineffective. If you have a medical problem, consult your physician to discuss any alternatives. |
General Description
False unicorn is an erect, fleshy, perennial herb with a smooth, angular stem. The leaves are 8 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. At the base leaves are narrow, spatulate, and arranged in a whorl, while alternate and lanceolate on the erect stem. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants; males reaching only 1 to 2 inches in height, females reaching up to 4 inches in height and more leafy. Starry white flowers are produced in June and July. The male flowers are on drooping, plume-like spikes 3-9 inches long, while the female flowers are on erect spikes. Numerous seeds are produced in an oblong capsule that opens by three valves at the apex. The root is 1-2 inches long, curved upward at the end in the form of a horn. Rootlets penetrate to the center of the root (Grieve 1931, Harding 1936, Haughton 2001, Sievers 1930).
Natural Habitat
Found in low moist areas, in meadows or open woods, from Massachusetts and Michigan south to Florida and Texas (Sievers 1930, USDA, NRCS 2001).
Uses
The root is collected in autumn and dried for later use. Medicinal actions are emmenagogue, diuretic, emetic, anthelmintic, uterine tonic, vermifuge, and ovarian adaptogenic. False unicorn is used both traditionally by Native Americans and more recently in Western medicine as a womans herb. Small doses of the dried root are taken internally to treat menstrual problems, morning sickness associated with pregnancy, ovarian cysts, vaginal discharge, pelvic inflammation and congestion, symptoms of menopause, and other complaints of the reproductive system. Besides the common uses for women, it is also taken by men to treat impotence, generally benefits the appetite and digestion, and aids in expelling worms. In large doses it causes vomiting and is a cardiac poison. Should not be taken during pregnancy (Fern 1997-2000, Foster and Duke 2000, Grieve 1931, Harding 1936, Haughton 2001).
Status
This plant is listed as At Risk by United Plant Savers and should not be harvested from natural habitat (United Plant Savers).
Silviculture
Grows best in moist, acidic, light- to medium-textured soils. Prefers part shade to full sun (Fern 1997-2000).
Propagation can be done by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, sow ripe seeds in a sand/peat mixture in a cold frame and keep moist. Germination requires 1-6 months of stratification (Fern 1997-2000).
References
Encyclopedia ID: p1895
