Aleutian ragwort (Senecio cannabifolius)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in a sunny position in most moderately fertile well-drained soils.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.
Edible uses
Leaves and stems - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicinal uses
The plant (though the part used is not specified) is anodyne, antirheumatic, contraceptive and used in the treatment of skin complaints. It stimulates the circulation.
Habitat
Mountains of N. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.