Practical
Plants

Caltha sinogracilis

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Caltha
Life cycle
perennial
Fertility
Bees, Beetles, Flies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Beetles, Flies

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemanin - this is destroyed by heat[3]. The sap can irritate sensitive skin[3].

Edible uses

Young leaves - cooked[4]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Korea.
Habitat
Grasslands, by streams at elevations of 3200 - 4100 metres in SE Xizang and NW Yunnan[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
aquatic
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer[5]. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in early spring or autumn[5]. Very easy, 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.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep rich slightly acidic soil[5]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Suitable for wet soils and shallow water[1]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[7].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. 1989-00-00

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  3. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩1↩2

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

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  7. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

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