Common Name: Xing An Sheng Ma

General Information

Actaea dahurica is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one or more leafy stems 100cm or more tall from a thick rootstock[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

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

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia

Habitat

Forest margins, shrub thickets, forests and very dry places in valley meadows[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade[, ]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[].
Grows well in a cool moist site in a woodland[].
The flowers have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell[].
Unlike the hermaphrodite flowers of most members of this genus, this species has unisexual flowers[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

This plant is an anti-infective herb that lowers fevers and reduces pain[]. The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, tonic[, , , , ]. It is used internally in the treatment of coughs, colds, headaches, gum diseases and feverish infections such as measles[].
The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[].
Use with caution[], see the notes above on toxicity.

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.