Common Name: Seaside Ragwort

General Information

Jacobaea pseudoarnica is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant usually growing 20 - 60cm tall, occasionally reaching 100cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver[]. Some caution is advised.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, eastern China, Japan, Korea; Northern N. America - Alaska, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Maine

Habitat

Shingle by the sea[]. Sandy-gravelly ocean shores and upper beaches[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Jacobaea pseudoarnica is native to colder regions of the temperate zone of, where it can be found at elevations up to metres. A very cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about -30°c
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils[]. Prefers a sandy soil[]. Judging by its native habitat, this plant should tolerate maritime exposure[].

Edible Uses

The fleshy stems and young leaves - cooked[, , ]. Only the young plant should be used and it should be cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

A poultice of the leaves has been used to drain cuts and boils[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer if they have grown sufficiently. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out the following year after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[].
Root cuttings in early spring[].