Ligularia sibirica
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Ligularia sibirica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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. 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): 1
Where it is found
Wet woods, meadows and scrub by streams. Swamps, moist grasslands, stream banks, grassy slopes and forest margins at elevations of 400 - 2200 metres in China.
Europe to E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. The subspecies L. sibirica speciosa. (Schrad.)DC. is the form used in China as a food.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, 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 spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist