Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Golden Ragwort
I first found this golden flowering herb blooming on the bank of the Maury River in Buena Vista, Virginia. Although it was a sunny day, the forest floor was still slightly soggy from the last rain when the water swept across the low lying banks of this river.
I've since learned that this plant, and Heal-all, which was also in full bloom, flourish in the damp habitat and dappled shade found in swamps and wetlands—and in this case a floodplain.
(For a contrast in habitat requirements, visit the Longleaf Summer Bluet room for an equally succulent plant that requires dry, gravelly soil.)
More prized for its golden beauty now, Packera aurea was at one time valued as a medicinal herb.
In some areas it is still known as "Female Regulator" or "Swamp Squaw-weed," which names hark back to its use for this purpose by Indian and subsequently settler women.
The
recipe for the early 20th century patent medicine,
"Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound" included this "female regulator" as an major ingredient.
Ms Pinkham's compound of this plant with other herbs was advertised as a sovereign remedy for such complaints. (Another ingredient was Black Cohosh— See Mountain Bugbane.)
Beyond its reputed effectiveness as a "regulator," its popularity might have been enhanced by the recipe calling for the ingredients to be mixed with 18% alcohol—36 proof medicine!
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