"Grows on dry, sandy soils throughout the Tallgrass region and well beyond to the east and south. Reaches about two feet in height and is covered with fine hairs making it appear shiny or silvery. Flowers look like pink and white sweet peas and bloom from June through July.

"Native Americans were sure that a tea made from the roots of this plant made their children strong and muscular (sounds like a Lake Woebegone thing). The same tea, taken cold was thought to enhance male potency and to treat tuberculosis, coughs, bladder problems. Leaves placed inside the shoes treated rheumatism. The root was also reported to have been used as a fish poison.

"Experimentally, T. virginiana has shown potential as having both anti-cancer and cancer-causing properties. This plant can also cause contact dermatitis in some cases.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: "The root is anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral and tonic. A tea made from the roots is said to make children muscular and strong. A cold tea is used to improve male potency and also to treat TB, bladder problems, coughs, irregular menstruation and other women's complaints. Experimentally, the root has shown both anticancer and cancer-causing activity. The leaves have been placed in the shoes in order to treat fevers and rheumatism.

Other Uses: "The root is a source of the insecticide 'rotenone'. This is especially effective against flying insects but appears to be relatively harmless to animals. A decoction of the roots has been used as a hair shampoo by women in order to prevent hair loss."

Herbal Uses: Unknown