Saussurea maximowiczii

Herder.

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves 36 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

A perennial herb growing to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland conditions or full sun. Prefers moist soil.

Description

A herb. It grows 40-100 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a stout rhizome. It has a single erect stem. The lower leaves have stalks 5-13 cm long. The leaves are oblong and 20-50 cm long by 7-10 cm wide. They are divided into 4-8 pairs of lobes along the stalk. There are teeth along the edge.

Edible Uses

Young leaves are edible when cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

A cool temperate plant. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level in north China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,

Cultivation

We have almost no 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 the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils in a sunny well-drained position.

Propagation

No specific information is available for this species, but sowing seed in a cold frame in spring is recommended. Surface sow or barely cover the seed, keeping the compost consistently moist. Prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring may also be possible.