Rare, hardy, long-lived perennial native to Siberia whose root is valued adaptogen (natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes). Attributed properties include: immune stimulant, replenishing strength and energy reserves, increasing mental awareness, mood balancer. Grows to about 6 ft, with showy pink thistle-like flowers that make nice cut flower. Permaculture, polyculture and homestead garden plant. Also classified as Stemmacantha carthamoides and Rhaponticum carthamoide.
Sow seeds outdoors in fall for spring plant or seed indoors in cool location (55-60 ºF) about 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant out in full sun and well drained soil.