Xing An Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga dahurica)

Family: Ranunculaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Cimicifuga dahurica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Young leaves - cooked.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Forest margins, shrub thickets, forests and very dry places in valley meadows. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)