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.