The name of this species is often spelt with a k (as Filipendula kamtschatica). We are following the treatment in Plants of the World Online (see https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:724927-1, accessed 15/07/2024). Older treatments especially are liable to use the k instead of the c[].

Common Name:

General Information

Filipendula camtschatica is a stout perennial plant producing 2 - 3 erect stems around 25mm thick and 100 - 300cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its dense clusters of sweetly-scented flowers and attractive divided foliage; there are some named varieties[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

High grass meadows[] along streams in the mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Filipendula camtschatica is a very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[].
Requires a humus-rich moist soil in semi-shade[, ]. Succeeds in full sun only if the soil is reliably moist throughout the growing season[]. Dislikes dry or acid soils. Does well in marshy soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
Plants are hardy to about -25°c[], when growing in shallow water they even survive if the water is frozen[].
A good bee plant, the flowers also attract flies.
The flowers have a powerful, sweet scent when inhaled from a distance, though there are fishy undertones when inhaled near to[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - raw[].

Leaves - cooked[].

Root - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].
It is used topically as a wash to treat eczema and hives[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame[]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in spring, germinating best at a temperature of 10 - 13°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have grown enough. If not, keep them in a cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring.
Division in autumn or winter[, ]. 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.