Pleurospermum uralense

A biennial or perennial growing to 1 meter tall, flowering June to July with seeds maturing July to August. This hermaphrodite, insect-pollinated species is self-fertile and grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to basic pH. It tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A herb or shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. The stems are hollow and ribbed. The leaves are broadly oval or triangle shaped. They are 15-30 cm long.

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Edible Uses

The young leaves are edible when cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests along stream banks.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Europe, Japan, Mongolia, Russia,

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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Some botanists consider this species to be no more than a part of P. camtschaticum. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in full sun. Plants are often monocarpic, living for a number of years without flowering and then dying after flowering.

Propagation

No specific information is available for this species, but sowing seed in spring in a cold frame is recommended. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

None known

Synonyms

References (3)

• Flora of China.
• Gen. pl. umbell. x. 1814
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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