Common Name: Blackroot

General Information

Veronicastrum sibiricum is an erect, evergreen perennial plant forming a cluster of stout, unbranched stems that can be 40 - 150cm tall[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as a medicine. It is cultivated in Korea for medicinal use[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

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

Habitat

Grassy areas in mountains and lowlands[]. Trailsides, grassy slopes and thickets; at elevations below 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Veronicastrum sibiricum is native to cold temperate regions of the Russian Far East, China, Japan and Korea, often growing in areas that can experience very cold winters and hot summers.
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a fairly sunny position in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is antimicrobial and hepatic[]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of the common cold and as a liver tonic[].

A decoction of the dried leaves and stems is used as a laxative in the treatment of beri-beri and rheumatism[].

The plant contains luteolin, mannitol, leptandrin. Leptandrin is a glycoside produced from the rhizome with attached roots - it is said to promote bile secretion and excretion[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in autumn or spring[]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.