Saposhnikovia divaricata Seeds | Saposhnikovia
LATIN NAME: Saposhnikovia divaricata
COMMON NAME: Saposhnikovia
Plant Profile
Saposhnikovia divaricata, better known as Saposhnikovia, is a perennial in the carrot family. Saposhnikovia holds its finely divided leaves and flat, white umbels, and the whole plant stands in the upright, branching clumps. It is a plant of open, sunny, sharp-draining ground. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the carrot family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Saposhnikovia for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Saposhnikovia is a fine, airy plant of dry border and study collection. It is a fine, airy plant of open, sunny, sharp-draining garden. Give young plants sharp-draining soil and open, sunny spot, and umbels will rise in second season. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Fang Feng, saposhnikovia root, is Chinese medicine’s herb of wind, releasing exterior colds and easing spasms in classical formulas; its chromones, such as prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, are the studied markers.
Growing from Seed
Saposhnikovia is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Given the right start, Saposhnikovia is a long-term garden companion. It forms a perennial, which makes spacing and siting straightforward. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
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