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Saussurea pulchella

Saussurea pulchellafam. Asteraceae
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Saussurea pulchella (Saussurea pulchella) — botanical photograph
Pl. 8C76 — Saussurea pulchella
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Overview

Saussurea pulchella, a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Mongolia. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, making it adaptable to various soil types such as sandy, medium, and clay. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 3-7, making it a versatile addition to gardens or landscapes. The leaves of Saussurea pulchella are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. They are often harvested and added to salads for a mild, slightly bitter flavor. The leaves can also be dried and stored for later use in teas or as an ingredient in soups and stews. This plant is known for its ornamental value, with its distinctive appearance and ability to add a touch of greenery to any garden setting. While not medicinal, Saussurea pulchella offers practical benefits through its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to both culinary and horticultural contexts.

Quick answers

What is Saussurea pulchella?

Saussurea pulchella, a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Mongolia.

Compare with:Carpesium triste→Italian hawksbeard→Patrinia villosa→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Saussurea pulchella thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is best propagated by division or seed. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Saussurea pulchella for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in various conditions.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Skip seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip in early spring after the last frost or late summer for fall bloom.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 12 inches wide.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, water when dry, and deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier plant and remove any dead foliage.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune regularly.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Saussurea pulchella are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. They are often harvested and added to salads for a mild, slightly bitter flavor. The leaves can also be dried and stored for later use in teas or as an ingredient in soups and stews.
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 10 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk, Primorye
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Saussurea pulchella (Saussurea pulchella) — botanical photograph
Saussurea pulchella (Saussurea pulchella)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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About this entry

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