JACKSON HOUSE MUSEUM
THE GARDEN IN FALL
Explore the Garden
It's essential to note that while the medicinal use of plants has a historical significance, not all plants are safe for consumption. References to historical use are meant to be informative, not instructive. Always consult with a medical professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
A perennial with white flowers, it blooms in summer through early fall. It was used in the past as a treatment of a variety of medical problems including toothache, arthritis, headaches and, of course, fever. The "parthenium' is purportedly because it was used to save a worker who fell from the Parthenon during its construction in the 5th century. It is native to southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe.
Monarda Jacob Cline (Monarda didyma)
It is frequently known as Bee Balm. A native medicinal herb loved by pollinators; it has red flowers in summer through early fall. The leaves are used in teas and salads. The common name of Bee Balm came from the historical use in treating bee stings. Bee balm is reported to be deer resistant.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
A native perennial, the Aster blooms in fall, making it an important pollinator plant. It has white to blue or purple blossoms. In traditional medicine, the root is known to have analgesic, astringent, expectorant and fever reduction properties. A poultice has been used in the treatment of pain, fevers, and diarrhea.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
The native Garden phlox blooms from summer through early fall. A perennial, its flowers are purple-pink to white and attractive to butterflies. An extract made from the leaves has been used as a laxative and for treating boils.
American Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
A native showy perennial, it has very fragrant leaves. It blooms from summer into early fall and is used in Native American herbal medicine. The tea has been used in the treatment of menstrual disorders, indigestion, colic, coughs, colds, chills and fevers. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of headaches. Due to their strong scents, mints are deer resistant.
Common Yarrow (Achillea borealis)
Yarrow is native to the Northern Hemisphere with slight variations in each continent. The genus name ‘Achillea’ refers to Achilles, a hero of the Trojan Wars in Greek mythology, who purportedly used the plant medicinally to stop bleeding and to heal the wounds of his soldiers. Yarrow was used in traditional North American medicine partly because of its astringent properties and the mild laxative effect of its leaves. The plant is reported to be deer resistant.
Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
A native perennial, which blooms in late summer through fall, the plant has a strong mint scent when crushed. It is frequently used in traditional medicines. The flower can be used to treat skin infections and sore throats and the leaves can be used to stop bleeding. In addition, studies have shown that the mistflower has high antioxidant properties. The plant is reported to be deer resistant.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
A biennial herb, Mullein blooms in summer and early fall. It has yellow flowers which can be used as a dye. The tea made from the flowers has been used to make a soothing sedative. It was also believed to be a useful remedy for nasal catarrh and respiratory ailments. The leaves could be dried and smoked, much like tobacco, and this was thought to sooth the throat and calm the hacking coughs associated with consumption. In an August, 1859 letter to his sister, Jackson, who had suffered from some throat irritation, commented, “It appears to me that smoking mullein has been of great benefit to me.” It was first brought to the U. S. in early colonial times, probably because of its long history as an herbal remedy for many medical problems. The plant is reported to be deer resistant.
Grape leaf windflower or Grape leaf anemone (Eriocapitella vitifolia)
An excellent late summer and fall bloomer, this perennial has white flowers with yellow stamens. It is deer resistant. Originally from the Himalayas, it is mildly toxic to humans and animals. Once heated or dried, the root is used to treat headaches & tooth aches. It can also be used to treat scabies.