Taxonomy
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. [4] [5] Pseudognaphalium saxicola is listed as Threatened in Wisconsin and is assessed as T2 (Imperiled) by NatureServe, [6] [7] but is regarded by other sources as a synonym of Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium. [1]
Uses by Native Americans
Alabama tribe
The Alabama tribe used a compound decoction of it as a treatment for nervousness and sleepiness, [8] and a decoction as a face wash for nerves and insomnia. [9]
Cherokee
The Cherokee use it in a compound for muscle cramps, local pains, and twitching, [10] and apply an infusion of it over scratches made over muscle cramp pain. [9] It is also used internally with Carolina Vetch for rheumatism. [10] A decoction is taken for colds, and the plant is also made into cough syrup. [10] 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. [10]
Choctaw
The Choctaw use a decoction of leaves and blossoms taken for lung pain [9] [11] and colds. [9] [11]
Creek
The Creek add the leaves to medicines as a perfume, [12] use a decoction to treat vomiting, [12] as a throat washes for mumps, [9] as a wash "for people who wanted to run away" and as a wash for people who are believed to be afflicted by ghosts. [8] A decoction made of the plant tops are used as a wash for old people who are unable to sleep. [12] 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. [12]
Koasati
The Koasati take a decoction of the leaves for fevers, and use it to bathe those who are feverish. [9]
Menominee
The Menominee steam the dried leaves as an inhalant for headaches, and as a treatment against "foolishness". [13] They also smudge the leaves and use them to fumigate premises to dispel ghosts, [14] and to bring back "loss of mind". This smudge is also used to revive unconscious patients. [15] The leaf smoke is blown into the nostrils of people who have fainted. [14]
Montagnais
The Montagnais use a decoction of the plant for coughing and tuberculosis. [16]
Rappahannock
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". [17]
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