Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Buddleja davidii
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| Common Names: |
Summer Lilac, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush
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| Key Name: |
Common Butterfly Bush
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, bark
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| Sister Plants: |
Buddleja alternifolia, Syringa vulgaris, Vitex agnus-castus
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| Comments: |
Deciduous shrub highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Deciduous shrub (5-15 ft), arching stems, lance-shaped leaves with white undersides, fragrant purple or white flower panicles (6-12 in), blooming summer to fall
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| Stem: |
Arching, 5-15 ft, woody, gray-brown
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| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 4-10 inches, white-felted underside, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Fragrant purple or white flower panicles, 6-12 in, in clusters, blooming June-October
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| Fruit: |
Small capsules with numerous seeds, 0.5-1 cm
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| Taste: |
Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Strong, sweet scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Deep taproot with fibrous roots
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to China, naturalized in Europe and North America
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seeds in spring; space 5-10 ft apart; water moderately, tolerates drought
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| Harvest: |
Flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for inflammation, minor wounds, and as a diuretic; leaves for poultices, flowers occasionally in teas
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| Constituents: |
Flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Poultice: Crush fresh leaves
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for minor wounds or calming effects in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Flowers edible as garnish (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Introduced to Europe from China in the late 19th century; valued for attracting butterflies
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Buddleja+davidii
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| Share: |
Private
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