| Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Pseudognaphalium |
| Species: | P. obtusifolium
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, synonyms including Gnaphalium obtusifolium and Pseudognaphalium saxicola, is a member of the family Asteraceae.[1] It is found on open dry sandy habitat throughout eastern North America. Common names include old field balsam, rabbit tobacco and sweet everlasting. When crushed, the plant exudes a characteristic maple-syrup scent.[citation needed]
It is a biennial herb which grows up to one meter tall. In its first year, the plant produces tightly packed rosettes covered in wooly hair. In the second year, the plant produces a tall stem with alternate leaves and yellow peg-shaped flowerheads. These are borne in clusters. The seeds are dispersed by the wind. Its native habitats include dry clearings, fields, and edges of woods.[2]
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Gnaphalium obtusifolium. It was transferred to Pseudognaphalium in 1981.[1]
Populations found in the state of Wisconsin growing on ledges and in cracks in shaded limestone cliff-faces, usually those facing south or east, have been described as Pseudognaphalium saxicola, common name cliff cudweed or rabbit-tobacco.[3][4] Pseudognaphalium saxicola is listed as Threatened in Wisconsin and is assessed as T2 (Imperiled) by NatureServe,[5][6] but is regarded by other sources as a synonym of Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium.[1]
The Alabama tribe used a compound decoction of it as a treatment for nervousness and sleepiness,[7] and a decoction as a face wash for nerves and insomnia.[8]
The Cherokee use it in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching,[9] and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain.[8] It is also used internally with Carolina Vetch for rheumatism.[9] A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup.[9] It is used in a sweat bath to treat various diseases, made into a warm liquid blown down throat for clogged throat (diphtheria), chewed for a sore mouth or throat, and smoked for asthma.[9]
The Choctaw use a decoction of leaves and blossoms taken for lung pain[8][10] and colds.[8][10]
The Creek add the leaves to medicines as a perfume,[11] use a decoction to treat vomiting,[11] as a throat wash for mumps,[8] as a wash "for people who wanted to run away" and as a wash for people who are believed to be afflicted by ghosts.[7] A decoction made of the plant tops is used as a wash for old people who are unable to sleep.[11] They also use a compound decoction of plant tops as an inhalant for colds, and apply a poultice of decoction of leaves for the throat for mumps.[11]
The Koasati take a decoction of the leaves for fevers, and use it to bathe those who are feverish.[8]
The Menominee steam the dried leaves as an inhalant for headaches, and as a treatment against "foolishness".[12] They also smudge the leaves and use them to fumigate premises to dispel ghosts,[13] and to bring back "loss of mind". This smudge is also used to revive unconscious patients.[14] The leaf smoke is blown into the nostrils of people who have fainted.[13]
The Montagnais use a decoction of the plant for coughing and tuberculosis.[15]
The Rappahannock Tribe take an infusion of the roots for chills, smoke dried leaves or dried stems in a pipe for asthma, and chew the leaves for "fun".[16]