Plant Description:

• Very widespread in moist woodlands and on roadsides
• Upright plant with a slender square stem
• Four sword-shaped leaves encircle (whorling) the stem
• Many white flowers in a dense inflorescence at the stem top
• Member of the coffee family - can be a substitute for coffee
• Tea made from this plant can be used as a wash for skin problems such as rashes, cuts, bites, freckles and acne
• People with poor circulation and diabetes should avoid this plant
• Continual use will irritate the mouth and tongue
• Found at Stop 1 - on the Interpretive Nature Trail, Hiking Trail, and at Stops 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11and 12

 

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-Sourced from Budd's Flora of the Canadian Prairie Provinces, 1979 and
Plants of the Western Boreal Forest & Aspen Parkland, 1995.
Refer to references for full publication details.