Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Buddleja davidii
|
| 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
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Scrophulariaceae |
Genus |
Buddleja |
| Species |
davidii |
NCBI Tax ID |
28540
|
| Organism |
|
|
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
|
| Stem: |
Arching, 5-15 ft, woody, gray-brown
|
| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 4-10 inches, white-felted underside, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Fragrant purple or white flower panicles, 6-12 in, in clusters, blooming June-October
|
| Fruit: |
Small capsules with numerous seeds, 0.5-1 cm
|
| 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: |
(image unavailable)
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbing.com%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.v_AlZvHzCUveFdUBoYQb9AHaGD%26cb%3Dthvnextc2%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=31340aee28aefdb885475cc4b24b0cd8dbf58b46547b397211894f391e699600&ipo=images
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to China, naturalized in Europe and North America
|
| Cultivation: |
Plant in full Sun, well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seeds in spring; space 5-10 ft apart; water moderately, tolerates drought
|
| Harvest: |
flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Diuretic
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for inflammation, minor wounds, and as a Diuretic; Leaves for poultices, flowers occasionally in teas
|
| Constituents: |
flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture)
|
| Dosage: |
infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or Tincture; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause mild Allergic reactions; avoid during Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Poultice: Crush fresh Leaves
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| 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
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
|
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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