Ranunculaceae: an upright perennial growing to 1m. Found in woods and bushy places in damp shady places. Panicles of showy, hooded grey flowers, with cream at the mouth and pale violet on the spurs. Rounded 5-7 lobed dark green leaves. Native to Eastern Europe.
The root has analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant, sedative properties. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Thrives in most soils but prefers a moist calcareous soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants will only thrive in a sunny position if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season.
Seed is best sown in the autumn, but the seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter.