Jacobaea cannabifolia aka Aleutian Ragwort

Jacobaea cannabifolia belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. It is a perennial, so it lives for more than two years. Its common name is Aleutian ragwort. The RHS also lists the name Senecio cannabifolius for it. Its native range runs from southern and eastern Siberia to Japan and northern China. In Japan, it grows in Hokkaido and Honshu. Plants For A Future records it in the mountains of northern Japan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant grows to about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. Kew calls it a perennial or a rhizomatous geophyte. This means growth below ground can keep it alive. The supplied evidence gives no mature width for this species. Nor does it describe leaf shape, flower colour, or fruit. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The evidence does not say when it blooms.

Grow it in sun, as it cannot grow in shade. It suits garden beds where soil is not too rich or poor. It grows in sand, loam, or clay that drains well. Keep the soil moist; do not let it dry out. The soil can be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. The sources give no pest or disease details for this species.

Sow seed in a greenhouse in spring and cover it thinly. Do not let the seed compost dry out. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Strong young plants can go outdoors in early summer. Keep smaller plants under cover for their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected spring frosts. You can also divide plants in spring. Root cuttings taken in early spring offer another way to grow them.

Plants For A Future lists cooked leaves and stems as food. It notes their bitter taste and records soaking or cooking more than once. This food use carries a warning; it does not prove safety. The source reports no direct finding that this species is toxic. But it warns that related plants can harm the liver over time. It records traditional uses for pain, rheumatic complaints, and skin problems. Reported uses also include menstrual problems, cramps, bruises, and swelling. These records do not prove that the treatments work or are safe. The source rates food use low and lists no other uses.