Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae
Maral Root
Rhaponticum carthamoides
Strength and vitality.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Rhaponticum
- Native to
- Siberia, Central Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous
- Height
- 3-5 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, fertile
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-7
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The plant gets its common name from the maral deer of Siberia, which dig up and eat the roots to build stamina before the autumn rut.
- Soviet-era scientists studied maral root extensively as an adaptogen to improve athletic performance and recovery.
- The large thistle-like flower heads can reach up to three inches across and sit atop tall, sturdy stems.
- Maral root contains ecdysteroids, compounds similar to insect molting hormones, which are studied for their anabolic properties in humans.
- In traditional Siberian folk medicine, a root decoction was given to workers and soldiers to combat fatigue during long expeditions.
Color meanings
0
strength
1
endurance
2
vitality
3
rejuvenation