#37. Youth-on-age

Scientific Name:

Tolmiea menziesii

Characteristics:

1. Leaves are heart-shaped, coarsely toothed, and found mainly in clumps at the base of the plant.

2. Flower stalks taller (about double the height) than leaves.

3. The flowers are tiny, tube-shaped, with brownish-purple petals. The petals curve bacwards from the mouth of the flower.

4. Tiny baby leaves often form at the base of each leaf. If such a leaf breaks off of the parent leaf, it may develop into another whole plant!

Uses or Importances:

1. Young sprouts were eaten raw by local Indians & early settlers.

2. Fresh leaves may be applied to boils as an antidote.

3. Youth-on-age may be planted as an ornamental plant in shady gardens.

4. It is very similar to the Piggy-back plant sold in stores.