Saussurea ussuriensis

Maxim.

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves 33 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A perennial reaching 1.2 m (4 ft) tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Succeeds in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic, neutral, or basic pH. Can grow in semi-shade under light woodland cover or in full sun. Thrives in moist soil.

Description

A herb. It grows 30-120 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. There is a single stem. The leaves are oval and 6-18 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They can be divided into lobes along the stalk. There are 3-7 pairs of lobes.

Edible Uses

Young leaves are edible when cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

A cool temperate plant. It grows in grasslands along rivers between 1,100-2,900 m above sea level in north China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, 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.