Boldo (Peumus boldus) vs Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

About

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year.

Fringe tree is a deciduous shrub or tree growing to 33 feet with elliptical dark green leaves, long flowering stems bearing spikes of white flowers, and dark blue oval fruits. Native to the United States and now also found in eastern Asia, it grows from Pennsylvania south to Florida and Texas and thrives on riverbanks and in damp shrubby areas. The root is unearthed in spring or autumn, mostly in Virginia and North Carolina.

Safety & precautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries due to the presence of ascaridole, a toxic constituent in the volatile oil. The dose and duration of treatment should be restricted to minimize risk. If you take a blood thinner or any other prescription medicine, ask a pharmacist before using boldo.

Should not be used in bile duct obstruction or pregnancy.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.