Saussurea pulchella aka Maiden Saussurea

Saussurea pulchella is a flowering herb in the aster family. Common names include saussurea and lizard’s tail. It grows as a short-lived perennial, or sometimes a biennial. Its native range spans eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea and Japan. This is a plant of temperate regions. Wild habitats include forest steppes, thickets, mountain grasslands and meadows. In Japan, it grows in grassy places in the mountains.

Garden plants reach about 4–5 feet (1.22–1.52 m) tall. Their spread can reach 4 feet (1.22 m). The plant has a thistle-like form, with deeply cut leaves. Basal and middle stem leaves have stalks. These leaves measure 4–10 inches long and have pinnate lobes. Some have cuts that reach almost to the midrib. Upper leaves attach straight to the stem, without stalks. The leaf shape and tall growth help define its form.

Pale purple flowers open from July through August. Flower heads grow alone or in loose groups. A rounded or egg-shaped involucre sits beneath each head. This collar consists of bracts that overlap one another. The flowers provide a showy display in summer. After flowering, the plant forms ivory-coloured achenes. These small, seed-like structures are its fruits. Its flowers and cut leaves offer distinct features for garden use.

Grow this species in full sun or light shade. It does well in average to moist soil. The soil should drain well rather than hold standing water. Its listed water needs are moderate. The best growing range is USDA Zones 3–7. Hot, humid summers south of Zone 7 limit its performance. Cold hardiness alone does not make every site suitable. Its garden uses include alpine gardens and cottage gardens. Meadows and open grassy areas also suit its form. It can also grow in cultivated beds.

Missouri Botanical Garden lists a medium level of maintenance. It reports no known serious insect or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy. Young leaves have a recorded food use when cooked. That source gives its edible value a low rating. It lists no known hazards, but does not establish pet safety. It records no known medicinal or other uses. Those gaps should not count as proof of broader safety.