Common Name:

General Information

Phedimus middendorffianus is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a creeping, branched rhizome that becomes woody; It produces a cluster of many erect stems that branch near the base, growing 10 - 30cm tall[, ].
The plant is often used in 'green roof' systems which are designed to provide insulation to buildinds, a habitat for wildlife and tl ameliorate the climate.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - eastern Siberia, Russian Far east, northeastern China, Korea

Habitat

Among rocks in forests in mountainous areas; at elevations from 300 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Phedimus middendorffianus is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -15°c when dormant[].
Species in this genus generally grow best in a sunny position, but they also tolerate partial shade[, ]. They succeed in most soils[] but prefer one that is fertile and well-drained soil[]. Established plants are usually drought tolerant[].
All members of this genus are said to have edible leaves, though those species, such as this one[], that have yellow flowers can cause stomach upsets if they are eaten in quantity[, ].
Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific mention of edibility for this species but, in general, the leaves of all members of this genus are edible, though not always very desirable[, ]. Some caution should be employed however, particularly if the plant has yellow flowers - see the notes above on toxicity[].

Medicinal

The whole plant contains various medicinally active compounds, including kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and arbutin, that have cytotoxic properties and are of potential use in the treatment of cancer[].
We have seen no other specific reports on medicinal uses for this species, but Sedum species (including Hylotelephium and Phedimus) generally contain various medicinally active compounds including alkaloids, tannins, cyanogenic compounds and, in particular, a range of flavanoids with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Many Sedum species are used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation - in addition a poultice made from the crushed, succulent leaves and young stems can be applied topically to cuts, wounds, burns and various skin disorders[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown in 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems. These systems are incorporated into the structure of the building, providing habitats for wildlife as well as insulating the building and helping to improve the environment[]. The cultivar 'Czar's Gold' has been specificaly mentioned.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year[].
Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though is probably best done in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.