Stillingia Flowers
Name : Stillingia Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Stillingia, (Stillingia sylvatica)
Stillingia Description
Stillingia is a genus comprising of about 30 species of the family Euphorbiaceae, native to North America. Stillingia are also found in tropical and warm areas of the world. The plant was named after the naturalist, Dr B. Stillingfleet.
Common names include Queen's Root, Cockup Hat, Marcory, Silver Leaf, Queen's Delight and Yaw Root.
Stillingia or Queen's delight is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 4 feet. Queen’s Delight has unique, yellow flowers that bloom from March through August or all year in warm climates. These blossoms are petal-less, borne in dense terminal spikes. Stillingia has separate male and female flowers that are borne on the same tree. Male Stillingia blossoms appear along the upper part of the spike while the female blossoms are borne along the lower part. Stillingia foliage has a leathery texture, with elliptical alternate leaves, about 1-3 inches long. Stillingia leaves are a dark glossy green, finely toothed and nearly stalkless. Stillingia bears a three-grained capsule-like fruit. Stillingia has a milky sap like other members of the Euphorbiaceae Family which may cause irritation to skin.
Queen’s delight can grow in most soil types ranging from light (sandy) to medium (loamy) or even heavy (clay) soils. Stillingia can grow in semi-shade to full sun. Moist, well drained soils ensure better growth for this plant. Stillingia requires very little care and is drought-tolerant once established; it is also deer resistant and suitable for xeriscaping. Stillingia or Queen’s delight is propagated by seeds sown outdoors in fall or after the last frost.
Stillingia looks great in the garden, adding colour and unique texture with its unusual blossoms. The dark glossy leaves are an additional feature that provide colour even when the plant is not in bloom. Queen’s delight is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds as well. Queen’s delight is an ideal choice for alpines and rock gardens. It also looks great in a garden with cacti, adding a nice variation and a primitive look to it.
Stillingia or Queen’s delight is also useful as a cut flower and is treasured by florists for its long lasting qualities in water. Stillingia is an excellent filler, with its delicate yellow blossoms and dark glossy leaves, it adds drama, texture and contrast to any flower arrangement. The capsuled, berry-like fruit may also be used in arrangements providing interesting colour and shape. Its year round availability is yet another attraction that makes it the perfect choice for wedding bouquets and table centerpieces.
Stillingia Meaning
Stillingia Mythology
Stillingia is a popular ingredient in herbal medicine. Stillingia’s root is famous for its ability to fight various types of infections. Queen’s delight helps detoxify the body and provides relief from inflammation and irritation. Traditionally, Queen’s root or Stillingia was used by Native Americans to treat skin problems and sexually transmitted infections, whereas in Europe Queen’s root was used to prevent infections after women gave birth.
The variety Stillingia sylvatica has been used extensively for syphilis, and also as a cathartic, diuretic, and emetic. In large doses, Stillingia can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In dry form, Stillingia root found use as a sialagogue, diuretic and laxative.
