Orange-fruit Horse-gentian

Triosteum aurantiacum

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Globally secure (G5). Apparently Secure in Ontario (S4) but Not Ranked in Quebec (SNR). Not listed under SARA. Uncommon in the Ottawa area. National rank N4 in Canada.
S22 S26 S62
Rarity Ranks: QC SNR – Not Ranked, ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Understory forb of mesic to dry-mesic deciduous woodlands and forest edges. Found in rich beech-maple forests, oak-hickory woods, wooded slopes, and thickets. Tolerates a range from swamps to dry sandy or rocky forests with oak, aspen, and sassafras. Benefits from occasional disturbance that reduces canopy shade. Uncommon in the Ottawa region.
S10 S7 S62

Roles: Fortress/Barrier
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)]

Category: Dermatological Aid
S61 foot soak use
Notes: The Iroquois used an infusion of this plant for soaking sore feet. No records found in Moerman NAEB for this specific species, suggesting limited documented ethnobotanical use.
S61 S28

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: The common names 'wild coffee' and 'coffee tinker's-weed' reflect historical use of the roasted fruits as a coffee substitute. Not commonly consumed today.
S1