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Common Name: Korean Pasque Flower

General Information

Pulsatilla koreana is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of the genus is slightly toxic, the toxins being dissipated by heat or by drying the plant[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Korea.

Habitat

Open wastelands and grassy places[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors in most areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a well-drained humus-rich gritty soil and a sunny position[]. Tolerant of alkaline soils[].
Large plants have a deep woody rootstock and transplant badly[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root contains several medicaly active constituents including saponins and anemonin[]. Anemonin has been shown to have both cardiotoxic and cardiotonic properties[]. The root is antiinflammatory and antiparasitic[]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of leucorrhoea, dysentery, scrofula and also as a contraceptive[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in about 2 - 3 weeks. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. Germination takes about 1 - 6 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring.
Root cuttings, 4cm long taken in early winter, potted up in a mixture of peat and sand[]. They can also be taken in mid summer, planted vertically in pots in a greenhouse or frame.