Common Name:

General Information

Actaea simplex is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one or more leafy stems 100cm or more tall from a thick rootstock[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

All species in this genus are more or less toxic[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Mongolia, Russian Federation from eastern Siberia (Dauria) to Kamchatka and Sakhalin; Japan, N. China

Habitat

Mountain meadows and alpine regions all over Japan[]. Forest margins, scrub, grassy slopes and open lands at elevations of 300 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees. Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -25°c[].
Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade, succeeding also in deep shade[, , ]. An easily grown plant, it grows well in ordinary garden soil so long as it does not dry out[]. Grows well in the dappled shade of woodland[]. Grows best in a position sheltered from strong winds[].
A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental value[].
The plant can be slow to establish[].
A good bee and butterfly plant[]. The flowers have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[, , ].
Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

The fragrant root is used as a spice[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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.