Cimicifuga simplex
a perennial member of the Cimicifuga genus in the family Ranunculaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Cimicifuga
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
- Fertility
- Bees. lepidoptera
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees. lepidoptera
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.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains a number of toxic species and at least one species in this genus is said to be mildly poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves - cooked[2][4][5]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The fragrant root is used as a spice[5].
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan, Dahurica.
- Habitat
- Mountain meadows and alpine regions all over Japan[11]. Forest margins, scrub, grassy slopes and open lands at elevations of 300 - 3200 metres[9].
- Shade tolerance
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. Only just cover the seed. It germinates in 1 - 12 months or even longer at 15°c[3]. The seed does not store well and soon loses its viability[8], stored seed may germinate better if given 6 - 8 weeks warm stratification at 15°c and then 8 weeks cold stratification[3]. 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[1]. 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
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade[1][8]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1]. Grows well in the dappled shade of woodland[12]. Plants are hardy to at least -25°c[6]. A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental value[6]. A good bee and butterfly plant[12]. The flowers have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell[7]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[10].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00
RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00