Komarov's Bugbane
Cimicifuga heracleifolia
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Cimicifuga heracleifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from August 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). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Scrub and grassy slopes from sea level to 1000 metres.
E. Asia - Eastern Russia to Northern China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, febrifuge and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of common cold with headache and sore throat, measles, headache, gingivitis, stomatitis, prolapse of the rectum and uterus. The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antiviral: Treats virus diseases
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. It germinates in 1 - 12 months or even longer at 15°c. The seed does not store well and soon loses its viability, stored seed may germinate better if given 6 - 8 weeks warm stratification at 15°c and then 8 weeks cold stratification. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains a number of toxic species and at least one species in this genus is said to be mildly poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.