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Stillingia sylvatica
plant overview
queen of the coastal plains

Stillingia herb is a perennial herb in the spurge family that is native to the southeastern panhandle coastal regions of the U.S. and the Pine Barrens stretching from Florida to Virginia, as well as parts of Colorado. Also known as queen’s root and queen’s delight, the herb was used by various Native American tribes, including the Muscogee (Creek Nation) of Oklahoma. The stillingia herb is used to produce teas, tinctures, salves, ointments, and other topical preparations.

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01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on stillingia

description
Stillingia sylvatica is a perennial herb of the Euphorbiaceae family.

This herb's angled glabrous stem can grow up to 4 feet in height. When the plant or root is broken or cut stillingia will exude a milky sap.

Its leathery leaves are sessile, tapering at the base. It bears yellow flowers from April to July in a terminal spike. Stillingia's fruit is a three-grained capsule.

The longitudinally-wrinkled grayish brown root grows 1 to 4 inches long and 1 inch or more thick. Under its bark the root is reddish-brown or rose-colored internally. The oleaginous root has a peculiar odor and a unpleasant, bitter taste that is followed by a persistent pungent acridity in mouth and throat.

common names & nomenclature
The plant was named for Dr. B. Stillingfleet.

Also known as:
stillingia, cockup hat, marcory, queen's delight, queen's root, silver leaf, yaw root

Stillingia, the queen of the coastal plains

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for stillingia

Stillingia sylvatica is native to the southern United States of America from Virginia to Florida and westward to Texas.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting stillingia

climate
Stillingia grows on sandy prairies, open woods and open ground in full to part sun.

soil
Prefers a moist, sandy, well-draining soil.

growing
Once the seed capsules turn dark, collect a few, and store them in a brown paper bag where they can dry. When they turn black and are fully ripe, they will split and release their small seeds. Sow them just below the soil surface.

harvesting
Collect stillingia roots in fall. While still fresh, slice the roots length wise and into quarters and dry for later use. Harvest the roots before they are 6 months old—as the quality deteriorates rapidly. The latex in the plant's sap can cause skin to blister so gloves should be worn when handling.

preserving
Store dried root pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

additional information

Stillingia (Stillingia sylvatica), also known as "Queen’s Root," is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the sandy soils of the southeastern United States. It is a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and is distinguished by its yellow flowers and a thick, woody root that contains a milky sap. This root has a long history of use in North American botanical traditions, particularly among Indigenous peoples and later by 19th-century eclectic physicians.

In botanical traditions, stillingia is often utilized as a component in specialized topical washes and cosmetic formulations intended for the skin. It is also found in historical tea blends, where it is typically paired with aromatic herbs to balance its naturally bitter and sharp flavor profile. Because of its potency, stillingia is traditionally used in small, measured quantities and is not intended for long-term daily consumption.

Today, stillingia root remains a specialized botanical primarily available in dried root form or as a liquid extract. Because the plant contains highly active constituents that can cause nausea or other sensitivities if used improperly, it must be handled with significant caution. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating stillingia into any routine to ensure it is used safely and appropriately for your individual needs.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.