Cimicifuga simplex -

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.5
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:	C. foetida intermedia.
Range:	E. Asia - Japan, Dahurica.

Cimicifuga simplex () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.5m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Cimicifuga simplex will flower in April. the seeds ripen from April to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees. lepidoptera

Soil Information

Cimicifuga simplex will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Cimicifuga simplex prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Mountain meadows and alpine regions all over Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade[1, 200]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1]. Grows well in the dappled shade of woodland[88]. Plants are hardy to at least -25°c[187]. A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. A good bee and butterfly plant[88]. The flowers have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell[188]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Leaves - cooked[105, 177, 183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The fragrant root is used as a spice[183].

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. Only just cover the seed. It germinates in 1 - 12 months or even longer at 15°c[164]. The seed does not store well and soon loses its viability[200], stored seed may germinate better if given 6 - 8 weeks warm stratification at 15°c and then 8 weeks cold stratification[164]. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[K]. Division in spring or autumn[1]. 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 summer or following spring.

Scented parts of the plants

Flowers : Fresh

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains a number of toxic species and at least one species in this genus is said to be mildly poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

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