Orangefruit Horse-gentian
Triosteum aurantiacum Bicknell
Orangefruit Horse-gentian: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/1512
Synonyms
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Seasonality Snapshot

Status

Orangefruit Horse-Gentian is not a true gentian; it has different fruit and flower structures from true gentians, and has stipules. (True gentians belong to the gentian family, Gentianaceae.) Orangefruit Horse-Gentian grows throughout much of eastern North America and into some of the Plains states. It is uncommon in Maryland, occurring mainly in the western part of the state.

Description

Orangefruit Horse-Gentian has 3 or 4 dull purple or red flowers in the axils of each pair of opposite leaves. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruits, which are oblong, each contain 3 hard stones and ripen in the fall. The leaves are large, broad, and oval-shaped. The plant reaches 2 to 4 feet tall.

Where To Find

This species thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It grows in rocky woods, thickets, stands of oak, aspen, sassafras, and/or pines.

Relationships

The flowers attract long-tongued pollinators, especially bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). The caterpillars of the moth Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing) feed on Triosteum spp. and other members of the honeysuckle family (US Forest Service Plant of the Week: Triosteum aurantiacum).

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Source: Wikipedia

Triosteum aurantiacum

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Triosteum
Species:
T. aurantiacum
Binomial name
Triosteum aurantiacum
Triosteum aurantiacum range

Triosteum aurantiacum, also known as orangefruit horse-gentian, is a perennial[1] species of Triosteum native to North America. [2]

Growth

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Triosteum aurantiacum may grow from 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) in height.[3]

Use

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Triosteum aurantiacum has been used to treat a variety of medical issues by Native Americans, and can be used as a coffee substitute when roasted.[3]

References

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  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Triosteum aurantiacum​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  2. ^ "Triosteum aurantiacum". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  3. ^ a b Samuel Hein. "Orange-Fruited Horse Gentian (Triosteum aurantiacum)". Plant-of-the-week. USDA Forest Service. Retrieved 10 May 2018.