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Pulsatilla chinensis - (Bunge.)Regel.

Common Name Bai Tou Weng
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
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[65].
Habitats Dry grassy places and rocky hillsides[74, 187]. Forest margins and slopes at elevations of 200 - 3200 metres in China[266].
Range E. Asia - N. China to E. Siberia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Pulsatilla chinensis Bai Tou Weng


Pulsatilla chinensis Bai Tou Weng

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Pulsatilla chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic  Antiinflammatory  Antispasmodic  Cardiotonic  Dysentery  Hypnotic  Malaria  Sedative


Bai Tou Weng is thought to clear toxicity and to lower fever. It is most commonly taken as a decoction to counter infection within the gastro-intestinal tract[254]. The root is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent and sedative[174, 176, 218]. The root is an effective cure for bacterial and amoebic dysentery[176, 218]. It is also used in the treatment of malaria, nose bleeds and haemorrhoids and is used externally to treat Trichomonas vaginitis[176, 254]. The root is harvested in the autumn or before the plant comes into flower in the spring, it can be dried for later use[254]. The root contains the lactone protoanemonin which has an irritant and antibacterial action. Protoanemonin is destroyed when the root is dried[254]. The fresh herb is a cardiac and nervous sedative, producing a hypnotic state with a diminution of the senses followed by a paralysing action[218]. A constituent similar to digitalis can be extracted from the whole herb with the roots removed[176]. This is cardiotonic[176].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained humus-rich gritty soil and a sunny position[200]. Tolerates alkaline soils[200]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. They are said to be difficult to grow in Britain, requiring a dry winter and spring followed by a warm humid summer[187]. Large plants have a deep woody rootstock and transplant badly[200]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant 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[175]. They can also be taken in July/August, planted vertically in pots in a greenhouse or frame.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Amur, Primorye (null)), China (Anhui Sheng, Gansu Sheng (south), Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng (north), Jiangsu Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng), Korea, North

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Pulsatilla cernua Perennial0.2 4-8  LMNM12 
Pulsatilla dahurica Perennial0.3 5-9  LMNM03 
Pulsatilla koreanaKorean Pasque FlowerPerennial0.3 -  LMNM02 
Pulsatilla patensPasque Flower, Eastern pasqueflower, Cutleaf anemonePerennial0.5 4-8  LMNM02 
Pulsatilla pratensisPasque FlowerPerennial0.5 4-8  LMNDM023
Pulsatilla vulgarisPasque Flower, European pasqueflowerPerennial0.2 4-8  LMNDM033

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Bunge.)Regel.

Botanical References

74200266

Links / References

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