Caulophyllum robustum

Common Names

Papoose Root, Hong Mao Qi

Summary

This East Asian perennial in the Berberidaceae family is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia; it forms a herb up to 0.30 m tall and grows in woods and mountain forests, including bamboo forests and Cathaya forests, and wet places in valleys at 900–3500 m; young leaves edible when cooked; roots used in traditional medicine as an emmenagogue and uterine stimulant, with pregnancy cautions.

Hardy to USDA zones 6–9 and UK zone 7; prefers moist soils and shade to semi-shade; propagation by seed (germination erratic); seedlings need shade and greenhouse or cold-frame care; plant out in autumn or early winter; division in spring; slow to increase; edible leaves; medicinal uses include root emmenagogue, oxytocic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anthelmintic, and antispasmodic; infusion of root taken about 2 weeks before expected birth to ease delivery; caution in early pregnancy due to miscarriage or early delivery; also used for pelvic inflammatory disease, rheumatism, gout; roots harvested in autumn for drying and early-spring root used for homeopathic remedies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full shade to partial shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, light to medium, damp, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, humus-rich soil

Soil pH

Mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Adaxially green; abaxially pale green or grayish white.

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts other pollinators