Mukdenia Mukdenia acanthifolia
ABOUT
Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as just Mukdenia, is a perennial plant that is valued for its ornamental appeal. The plant features broad, rounded leaves with deep lobes that give them a somewhat hand-shaped appearance. The leaves emerge in spring with a bronze or coppery tinge and gradually mature to a lush green as the season progresses. In the fall, the foliage often takes on stunning shades of red and bronze, adding a splash of color to the garden as the seasons change. The Mukdenia produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are usually white in color, lending a delicate and subtle floral display above the foliage. These flowers typically appear early in the plant’s growing season, adding to its charm. The plant has a mounded, clumping habit, spreading out with its leaves gracefully arching from the center, creating an attractive, textured look. The overall impression is of a green, leafy mound that can provide an excellent ground cover or act as a complement to other plants in a shaded garden bed. Mukdenia's distinct foliage, coupled with its seasonal color changes and dainty flowers, makes it a valuable addition to landscapes looking for a touch of variety and visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Mukdenia, Crimson Fans
Common names
Aceriphyllum rossii, Aphanopetalum renifolium, Mukdenia rossii.
ToxicityTo humans
Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, does not have any well-documented toxicity to humans. There are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant, as it is not considered toxic. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant if its edibility and safety have not been confirmed.
To pets
Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, since it is not considered to be poisonous to animals. Nonetheless, it is always best practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as individual animals might have unpredictable reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 2 inches (0.36 meters)
Spread
1 feet 8 inches (0.51 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value - Mukdenia rossii, commonly known as Mukdenia, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Shade tolerance - It can thrive in part shade to full shade, making it suitable for shaded garden spots where other plants might struggle.
- Seasonal interest - The plant offers seasonal interest with leaves that change color from green to a striking reddish bronze in the fall.
- Erosion control - The clumping nature of Mukdenia helps stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or in garden areas prone to erosion.
- Drought resistance - Once established, Mukdenia can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low maintenance - It generally requires little care beyond occasional watering and the removal of spent leaves or flowers.
- Attracts pollinators - The spring blooms of Mukdenia can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, can be used as a dye plant due to its pigmented leaves, especially when they turn red in the fall.
- Leaf mould created from Mukdenia leaves can be used to improve soil structure and fertility in gardens.
- The fibrous roots of Mukdenia can be used in erosion control to stabilize soil on slopes and riverbanks.
- Dried Mukdenia leaves can be used in crafting for decorative purposes such as in wreaths and floral arrangements.
- Mukdenia leaves can be used as a natural mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth in garden beds.
- During autumn, Mukdenia with its colorful foliage can be employed as a seasonal photography subject for nature photographers and artists.
- The plant can be used in an educational context to illustrate the plant lifecycle and seasonal changes in a classroom setting.
- Mukdenia can serve as a companion plant in mixed borders, providing aesthetic support to flowering plants and adding textural contrast.
- With its attractive leaves, Mukdenia can be part of botanical art, where its foliage is pressed and framed.
- As a hardy, shade-loving plant, Mukdenia can be used to underplant deciduous trees, where many plants struggle to prosper.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMukdenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMukdenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, exhibits robustness as it can thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing hardiness and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Transition: The plant is known for its leaves that change color with the seasons, representing change and transformation in life.
- Beauty in Simplicity: Mukdenia has simple yet elegant foliage, often associated with finding beauty in the uncomplicated aspects of life.
- Rarity: Due to its selective growing locations and relative obscurity in the plant world, Mukdenia can symbolize uniqueness or the value of rare finds.
WaterThe Mukdenia, also known as Mukdenia rossii, prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the Mukdenia with approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water once or twice a week during active growth in the spring and summer. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to when the soil has dried out slightly, which might be every two weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases, and instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightMukdenia thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive bright but indirect light, avoiding the intense midday sun which can scorch its leaves. An ideal location would be under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of a building where it can be protected from direct sunlight.
TemperatureMukdenia prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can endure short periods of colder weather down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the foliage. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth and health is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Mukdenia in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to maintain the plant's shape. This encourages fresh new growth when the growing season begins. Pruning should not be frequent, as the plant typically maintains a pleasant shape naturally. The best time for any heavier pruning to shape the plant or reduce its size would be after the plant has flowered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrimson Fans (Mukdenia acanthifolia) thrive in a mix of 60% garden soil, 30% compost, and 10% perlite or sand for drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingCrimson Fans should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. The best time to repot is in the spring.
Humidity & MistingCrimson Fans prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%. Avoid placing the plant in dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Crimson Fans in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, begins its life as a seed, which, upon germination, develops into a small seedling with its initial true leaves. As it matures, the seedling grows into a rosette-forming perennial herb, forming a clump with large, palmate leaves. Over several years, it will reach its full size, bearing distinctive leaves that often turn a bronze-red color in autumn. In early to mid-spring, Mukdenia produces small, white flowers on branching stems above the foliage. After pollination, these flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds that, once matured and dispersed, can give rise to new plants. The plant may continue this cycle for many years, dying back to the ground each winter and re-emerging in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Mukdenia acanthifolia, commonly known as Mukdenia, is typically propagated by division, which is often done in early spring as new growth begins. To propagate Mukdenia by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Ensure that each new plant has adequate space to grow and access to sunlight and water them well to establish. This method is favorable for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new plants that are true to the parent in form and habit. Division allows gardeners to quickly expand their Mukdenia collections or share plants with others.
