Family: Saururaceae
Author: (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.
Bibliography: Bot. Beechey Voy.: 390 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Anemopsis
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & C. U.S.A. to Mexico
Description
Apache-beads, scientifically known as Anemopsis californica, is a fascinating perennial plant belonging to the Saururaceae family. This herbaceous plant is noted for its unique floral and foliage characteristics. The name “Apache-beads” is derived from the bead-like appearance of its fruit, which has historical significance to the indigenous Apache people who utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal and ornamental purposes.
Anemopsis californica thrives in wetland environments across a geographic range that extends from the western and central United States down to Mexico. This broad distribution is a testament to the plant’s adaptability to different ecological zones within these regions.
The plant features distinctive white flowers with a prominent central cone, surrounded by bracts that often give the appearance of petals, which make it a visually striking component of the flora in its native habitats. These flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The leaves of Anemopsis californica are aromatic, broad, and slightly heart-shaped with a tapering point. They are often used in traditional medicine practices by various Native American tribes. Known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, the leaves and roots of Apache-beads have been utilized in treating ailments such as skin infections, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.
Botanically described in the work “Bot. Beechey Voy.” on page 390 in the year 1840 by (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn., this plant has been a subject of interest for botanists and herbalists alike due to its unique properties and ecological significance.
Overall, Apache-beads, or Anemopsis californica, stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal and traditional uses but also for its resilience and adaptability across various landscapes in the western and central United States and Mexico.
Common Names
Eng: apache-beads, yerba mansa, yerba-mansa
Spa: hierba mansa, yerba-mansa
En: Apache-beads, Lizard Tail, Yerba mansa, Yerba-mansa
Es: Yerba-mansa, Hierba mansa
Sv: Sippsvans
Synonyms
- Anemopsis bolanderi (C.DC.)
- Houttuynia californica ((Nutt.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S.Watson)
- Aponogeton involucratus (Sessé & Moc.)
- Anemopsis californica var. subglabra (Kelso)
- Houttuynia bolanderi ((C.DC.) Benth. & Hook.f.)
- Anemopsis californica var. typica (Kelso)
- Anemia californica (Nutt.)
- Anemopsis ludovicisalvatoris (Willk.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Lily Ramos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2021 by najera roxana (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Lauren Holloway (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Lauren Holloway (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Dagmar Grüter (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2021 by stéphane COLLE (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Robert Bush (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Robert Bush (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Rob Duin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Beltran Edgar (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Ge Scott (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 29, 2022 by FUENTES LUIS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2021 by Lily Ramos (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3086504)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:677262-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.0
Ph minimum: 6.5