Aleutian ragwort
Senecio cannabifolius

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Senecio cannabifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Mountains of N. Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and stems - cooked. A bitter taste should be removed by leaching the leaves or cooking them in more than one change of water. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant (though the part used is not specified) is anodyne, antirheumatic, contraceptive and used in the treatment of skin complaints. It stimulates the circulation. A decoction is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, abdominal distension and cramps, traumatic injuries, bruises and swellings.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most moderately fertile well-drained soils.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out the following year after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Root cuttings in early spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver. Some caution is advised.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Senecio palmatus. Pall. non (Thunb.)Less. basionym of: Jacobaea cannabifolia