Komarov's Bugbane

Cimicifuga heracleifolia

Physical Characteristics

Cimicifuga heracleifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Eastern Russia to Northern China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antibacterial Antipyretic Antiviral Sedative The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, febrifuge and sedative[176, 279]. It is used internally in the treatment of common cold with headache and sore throat, measles, headache, gingivitis, stomatitis, prolapse of the rectum and uterus[176]. The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[238]. Use with caution[176], see the notes above on toxicity.

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.