Common Name:

General Information

Caltha sinogracilis is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of basal leaves and flowering stems 4 - 10cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemonin - this is destroyed by heat[]. Symptoms of poisoning include a burning sensation in the throat, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, and, in large doses, convulsions. However, the toxicity is of a fairly low order and the plant would usually need to be eaten in quantity in order to cause major symptoms[]
The sap can irritate sensitive skin[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China (Xizang, Yunnan), Korea.

Habitat

Grasslands, by streams; at elevations from 3,200 - 4,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees, Beetles, Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Caltha sinogracilis is found in the Alpine zone of southwest China where it experiences frost and snow.
Requires a deep rich slightly acidic soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Suitable for wet soils and shallow water[].
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

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer[]. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Division in early spring or autumn[]. 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 summer or following spring.