Dream Root, Xhosa (Silene capensis) plant, organic

Family:  Pink (Caryophyllaceae)

Hardy to zones 7 to 12

(Xhosa Dream Root, White Ways, White Path, African Dream Root, African Dream Herb, Syn. Silene undulata)  Low-growing herbaceous perennial 1 to 2 feet tall, native to the cape of South Africa.   Softly spreading leafy rosette produces multiple stalks crowned by the pure white flower.  Unlike other members of the Silene genus, the calyx is elongated and not particularly inflated.  The plant is easy to grow as a wayside attraction, spreads healthily but not invasively, producing many handsome flowers that smell excellently of jasmine and clove.  Traditional usage:  The Xhosa people of South Africa use the plant to stimulate dreaming during shamanic episodes.  Space plants 6 inches to a foot apart.

Potted plant, certified organically grown.