Xing An Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga dahurica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade. Grows well in a cool moist site in a woodland. The flowers have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[K]. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Edible uses
Young leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicinal uses
This plant is an anti-infective herb that lowers fevers and reduces pain, see the notes above on toxicity.
Habitat
Forest margins, shrub thickets, forests and very dry places in valley meadows.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia.