Blackroot
Veronicastrum sibiricum
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronicastrum sibiricum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Grassy areas in mountains and lowlands. Trailsides, grassy slopes and thickets at elevatins below 2500 metres in northern China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is antimicrobial and hepatic. It is used in Korea in the treatment of the common cold and as a liver tonic.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers. Prefers a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient quantity the seed can be sown outdoors in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist