Bearded Darnel
Parts Usually Used
Seed
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Bearded darnel is an annual plant; the stiff, round, hollow stalk grows to a height of 1-3 feet and bears long, linear, flat leaves that are rolled up when young. The flowers grow on a terminal spike consisting of 5-7 flowered spikelets, each of which is embraced along almost its full length by a bract. Long, stiff bristles point upward from the flowers. The seed is small, yellow-brown to orange-brown, ovate, and somewhat compressed.
Where Found
Grows as a hated weed in grain fields, waste places, moist farm fields, and along roadsides.
Uses
Historically, the plant was utilized in traditional medicine for dizziness and stomach complaints. It was also applied externally as a poultice for various skin afflictions, including scurf, ulcers, and sores.
Warning
Poisonous in large quantities. Not to be used without medical supervision. There are nonpoisonous remedies that are available for all its uses, both internal and external.
Bibliography
Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs , by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814) The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023