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Greenthread
Thelesperma megapotamicum Navajo tea, Hopi tea, Cota
Compositae – Sunflower family
Description Greenthread is a deep-rooted perennial. The plant usually stands 2-3 feet tall and has numerous long and narrow stems, which are smooth, bluish-green, and glaucous. The leaves, of similar characteristic, are opposite and either entire or divided into 1 or 2 linear divisions. The nodding yellow flower heads sit atop long peduncles; they seem too large to be properly supported by the thin stem. The flowers fade to tannish-brown with age. Other species of Thelesperma are similarly formed. T. subnudum is a smaller plant also with large yellow flower heads. T. longipes’ flowers are smaller; its delicate leaves are prominently divided.
Distribution Greenthread has a large distribution throughout the interior west. From Nebraska and Wyoming, the plant is found south through most of the plains states, to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. From 4,000-8,000 feet look to open woodlands, grassy flats, mesa tops, on the edges of gullies, and along secondary roads.
Chemistry Not known
Medicinal Uses The Hopi, Navajo, and Hispanic New Mexicans have used the plant as a beverage tea. It is drunk simply for the taste. The tea is non-bitter, pleasant tasting, and sweetens well with a little honey or sugar. Greenthread tends to be mildly diuretic.
Collection Gather Greenthread while it is in flower for easier identification. Snip the above ground foliage and bundle loosely or dry normally.
Preparations and Dosage Herb infusion: as desired
Cautions None known.
Other Uses The foliage and roots have been used as a traditional dye; they provide a yellow, brownish-orange coloration. |