Maral Root (Rhaponticum carthamoides) Stemmacantha carthamoides Rhaponticum Heirloom Herb

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 Maral Root, Maral Root (Rhaponticum carthamoides) Rhaponticum Heirloom Herb

Perennial

Height up to 5 ft

Scientists can't seem to make up their minds what this plant should be called. It used to be know as Leuzea carthamoides and Leuzea rhapontica. Now it's Stemmacantha carthamoides in some places and Rhaponticum carthamoide in others. It has also been listed under Centaurea, Cirsium, and Cnicus. To be honest we are unsure where the plant stands at the moment so we have listed it as above.

Maral Root, is also known as Russian Leuzea and Rhaponticum, and is an herbaceous perennial plant from the family Asteraceae that inhabits the sub-alpine zone as well as alpine meadows. Maral Root can be found growing wild in Southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Altay region, and Western Sayan Mountains; it is a lovely plant that is multi-branched with lush leaves and produces large gorgeous 3 in wide thistle-like purple flowers in the Spring. It is extremely hardy and requires little maintenance once established.

 Maral Root is a plant based source of ecdysteroids that are thought to promote muscle growth in a non-hormonal manner. The roots are used to make medicine for athletic performance, depression, sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

This is a fantastic showy and large perennial plant for cooler regions that produces a large rosette of large mid green leaves that can be up to 2 ft long, and are deeply incised with pointed edges. In late spring it puts up thick round stems up to 2 ft tall. Flowers in the second year from seed and sends down large thick roots which strongly establish the plant in the ground.

  •  Full sun
  •  Sow in individual pots in mid winter for spring planting. Germinates at fairly low temperatures and heat should not be applied. A cold frame or unheated indoor area is ideal; warmer temperatures can inhibit germination or produce very poor results
  • Germination is usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Best temp is between 55 - 60 F. 
  • Grow until large enough to plant outside, and after risk of frost has passed.
  • Protect from deer.
  • Pick the best location as the roots grow deep and they might not be easy to move.
  • Seed count: 5