Glaucidium palmatum (Japanese wood poppy, "Shiraneaoi")

Japanese name: シラネアオイ （白根葵）
Scientific name: Glaucidium palmatum

[Overview]
A perennial 15–60 cm tall, found in heavy-snow regions on the Sea of Japan side.
It grows at forest edges and in forests, and beside snowfields and snow meadows, often forming large colonies.
It has a thick, creeping rhizome, at the tip of which is borne a single basal leaf or a single flower stem.
The basal leaf has a long petiole.
The flower stem bears 2 alternate leaves, 9–25 cm long and 10–27 cm wide, palmately divided into 5–15 lobes.
At fruiting time the leaves reach 30 cm or more in both length and width.
The leaves on the stem also have petioles.
A single flower 5–12 cm across is borne at the tip of the flower stem, with bracts below the flower.
The flower has no petals; the 4 sepals are tinged pale purple and look like petals.
Rarely, white ones are also seen.
There are many stamens, and usually 2 pistils.
The flower stem elongates after flowering.
The fruit is a follicle, and the seeds are flat with a wing around the edge.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
Sow seed immediately after harvesting.
When grown from seed, it takes several years after germination to flower.
It prefers partial shade and soil that is well drained, moisture-retentive and well aerated.
Grow it in a well-ventilated place protected from strong sun and dryness throughout the year.
In the ground, the area under deciduous trees is suitable.
It dislikes both dryness and excess moisture.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Insufficient fertilizer reduces flowering, so in addition to a base fertilizer, apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring, after flowering and in autumn.
Pests and diseases include soft rot, southern blight, slugs and cutworms.

[Notes]
The Japanese name comes from Mt. Nikko-Shirane, which has long been a famous place where it grows.

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