Ctenium aromaticum

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Toothache grass (Ctenium aromaticum) is a perennial grass native to the southeastern United States, especially along the coastal plain. It grows in clumps up to 1–1.5 meters tall, with leaves up to 46 cm long. Its flowers form a panicle with a single branch up to 15 cm long, lined on one side with two rows of spikelets; each spikelet is about 1 cm long. It is not known to have been used to treat toothache, but the plant has been used to stimulate saliva (a sialagogue). Crushed roots have a strong scent, and chewing the lower stem can produce a numb feeling in the mouth due to isobutylamides. Conservation status: Secure.