Glehnia is a genus of plants in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Glehnia littoralis,[1] commonly known as beach silvertop and American silvertop. The genus was named after Russian botanist Peter von Glehn.[2]
Description
It is a long-taprooted plant forming a basal patch of leaves, with each leaf made up of several rounded, lobular segments. It reaches a maximum height exceeding .5 metres (1+1⁄2 feet), with the North American subspecies only reported to reach 6.5 centimetres (2+1⁄2 inches).[3] The plant's erect stem is topped with an umbel of carrotlike white flowers.
Two subspecies exist, one in Asia and one in North America; the latter is named leiocarpa.[3]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to eastern Asia, particularly eastern China, Japan, and far-eastern Russia, and western North America from Alaska to northern California. It can be found on sandy beaches and dunes.[3]
Uses
The plant is perhaps best known as a Chinese herbal remedy for cough.[5]
