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.

Aka “Stinging Nettle” because of the skin irritating “hairs” on its leaves, this herbaceous perennial is a prized multi-use medicinal and multi-function plant. Tap root loads up new leaves with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. When cooked, leaves lose their hairs and make an early season nutritional treat. Tea used as a whole body tonic. Also a pollinator friendly dye plant and fiber source for cordage and cloth. Permaculture, polyculture and homestead plant.