Can you identify this herb/plant please?

14 years ago

My apologies to begin with: No photo available, camera awaiting repairs. Perhaps I can have it back before cold weather nips this. If you can help identify this herb by description, I will be very grateful. I got the start of this plant several years ago from someone who grew medicinal herbs, and I BELIEVE she said that the leaves could be used as a poultice for pains such as menstrual, back and neck, sore muscles, and as a sooting additive to the bath by just putting leaves into the water.

This plant is in several stages of grown, most stalks about 2-1/2-3 feet tall. Leaves are soft; heart-shaped; the mature ones about 8" long. It reminds me of a huge bean leaf. It must travel by roots b/c it has started taking over a plant bed. A couple of weeks ago, it started putting out long 3-4" long white skinny "growths" like plilable icicles; I do not know if these will be seeds or flowers or just what they are. Very pretty plant.

This plant was so slow to start I wondered if it would make it in our intense droughts; after a few years of just sitting there in 2 or 3 plants, this year it took over! It is providing dense shade . (They start out in the spring looking like a big heart-shaped hosta, but grow rapidly.)

I may have some to share if interested parties, and if I can find the best way to dig and keep alive to mail. They disappear in the winter.

Thank you in advance,

Ann

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Comments (11)

lgslgs
14 years ago
Doesn't quite sound like comfrey, but comfrey is a great poultice herb.

Check the photos and see if it looks like this.

Lynda

Here is a link that might be useful: comfrey images
Daisyduckworth
14 years ago
I doubt if it's comfrey. Comfrey leaves aren't soft - they're spiky! And they can get very large indeed, nearly a metre long. Besides, comfrey prefers moist conditions - preferably quite boggy. And it's not a traveller (unless you disturb the roots!).

We anxiously await a photo!
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ltcollins1949
14 years ago
Well without seeing a picture it is hard to make a guess. But is it possibly mullein Verbascum thapsus which is a hardy biennial? It grows easily here in Texas and is considered a native plant. The leaves are large, fuzzy gray leaves and the plant can grow up to 6' to 7'. And it is used as a medicinal herb with the leaves being used as bandages. Also a tea can be made from the flowers which can be yellow, white or purple.
cyrus_gardner
14 years ago
Mullein, has tobacco plant, lamb's ear like leaves, and at the end grows a cluster of yellow flowers that open from bottom to top and lasts a long time. I have seen them in MO, CT and here in GA. Its leave have no resemblance to bean leaves.
Without a photo it is very difficult to identify this plant, as described by "Ann-tx8". Unless somebody is growing some already.
ann_tx8
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, friends. No, not comfrey or mullein. I am probably going to be so embarrassed when this guy is identified. I may be laughed off GardenWeb for life once its name and use is known. It may just end up being "just a plant" and not an herb. I continue to search thru my books and trying to contact people locally, so far to no avail. I was told today the leaf shape was "somewhat like an elephant ear" but it is very soft and tender. As soon as photo available I'll be back. Thanks for your thoughts. Ann
ltcollins1949
14 years ago
OK, my "thinking cap" doesn't seem to be working. Please keep us informed!
Daisyduckworth
14 years ago
The softest leaf I know comes from Lamb's Ears, Stachys byzantina. Ring any bells?

Here is a link that might be useful: lamb's ears
fatamorgana2121
14 years ago
Soft & like an elephant's ear, I'd guess burdock. The leaves can be used as a poultice. But burdock is a biennial and not something that would be around 3 years later.

But you said it is spreading and looks like a "huge bean leaf," it wouldn't be kudzu would it? Google kudzu for numerous pictures of the "vine that ate the South."

FataMorgana
ann_tx8
Original Author
14 years ago
I have pics now. This is first time I have tried to include a picture. I hope I did it right.

When you've gone there, will appreciate any advice on how to do this better. Thanks. Ann

Here is a link that might be useful: Mystery Plant
ltcollins1949
14 years ago
Piper auritum a/k/a common names Rootbeer Tree, Hoja Santa, Mexican Pepperleaf, Yerba Santa, and Sacred Pepper. I have some growing in a pot in my front yard. I'm going to plant it, but just haven't done so yet.
ann_tx8
Original Author
14 years ago
That's it! THANKS ltcollins1949!

If anyone wants a copy of this, let me know; you can have for cost of postage/shipping and advice on how you want shipped. Obviously not a medicinal plant as I'd thought, from the research I've done, but used in certain food preparation plus attractive plant, period. Meantime, I'm going to take some of these to three little family-run Mexican food restaurants here and see if they'd like some. I am remembering that a garden helper a few years ago brought me some tamales, which she called "Guatamalan, not Mexican, tamales" and they were wrapped in a green leaf and steamed.
Thank you for all your help, everyone. Ann