Saposhnikovia divaricata seed Laserwort

Plants 30–80 cm high. Rootstock to 2 cm thick. Basal leaves numerous; petioles flattened, with ovate sheaths; leaf blades oblong-ovate to broad-ovate, 14–35 × 6–8(–18) cm, 2-pinnate; pinnae 3–4 pairs, petiolulate; ultimate segments linear-lanceolate or cuneate-obovate, 3-lobed at apex, 2–5 × 0.5–2.5 cm. Leaves reduced upwards. Umbels numerous, ca. 6 cm across; peduncles 2–5 cm; rays 5–7, 3–5 cm; bracteoles 4–6, ca. 3 mm, acuminate; umbellules 4–5-flowered. Petals ca. 1.5 mm. Fruit 4–5 × 2–3 mm, tuberculate when young, becoming smooth when mature. Fl. Aug–Sep, fr. Sep–Oct. n = 8*.
The root is used as the important traditional chinese medicine “fang feng.”
(Fang feng) Important Chinese remedy for colds,The roots which can be 2cm/1" thick are analgesic, antipyretic, and antibacterial. Also used to harmonize the spleen and liver, and to treat migraine and rheumatoid arthritis. Close relative to parsley; aromatic leaves are eaten as a pot-herb.