Pulsatilla cernua
a perennial member of the Pulsatilla genus in the family Ranunculaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Pulsatilla
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
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 mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of the genus is slightly toxic, the toxins being dissipated by heat or by drying the plant[9].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Young leaves and roots - cooked with other foods[4]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Root
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Haemostatic[1]. The root is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent and sedative[1][3][6]. The root is an effective cure for bacterial and amoebic dysentery[3][6]. It is also used in the treatment of nose bleeds and haemorrhoids and is used externally to treat Trichomonas vaginitis[3]. The fresh herb is a cardiac and nervous sedative, producing a hypnotic state with a diminution of the senses followed by a paralysing action[6]. A constituent similar to digitalis can be extracted from the whole herb with the roots removed[3]. This is cardiotonic[3].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antiinflammatory
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Astringent
- Product or use
- Cardiotonic
- Product or use
- Haemostatic
- Product or use
- Hypnotic
- Product or use
- Sedative
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
- Habitat
- Grassland in low mountains, C. and S. Japan. Grassy slopes in northern China[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- 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 early summer in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in about 2 - 3 weeks. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. Germination takes about 1 - 6 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring. Root cuttings, 4cm long taken in early winter, potted up in a mixture of peat and sand[2]. They can also be taken in July/August, planted vertically in pots in a greenhouse or frame.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a well-drained humus-rich gritty soil and a sunny position[5]. Tolerant of alkaline soils[5]. This species is closely related to P. dahurica[5]. Large plants have a deep woody rootstock and transplant badly[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[8].
References
Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. 1991-00-00
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
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
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394