May Hours

 May Hours:


Weekdays: 9-6

Weekends: 9-5
On Wednesday we will be open by chance or appointment.


The picture is of a Pediocactus Simpsonii, which is a little cactus that just bloomed today (April 29).

Rhaponticum carthamoides

 Rhaponticum carthamoides is a rare endemic plant belonging to the Composite family. It is a big herbal perennial, reaching 130 cm in height. Leuzea, common name,  grows on the mountain slopes in a limited area of southern Siberia (Altai, Sayani).. 

Also known as Maral Root, Rhaponticum carthamoides is an herbaceous perennial growing between 4,500 -6,000 feet above sea level. The plant can be found growing wild in Southern Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Altai region, and Western Sayani. Rhaponticum is also cultivated throughout Russia and Eastern Europe. Rhaponticum derives its traditional name, Maral Root from the Maral Deer who feed on it. As a traditional remedy, Rhaponticum has been used to allay fatigue, treat impotence, speed recovery from illness, and improve mood in cases of mild depression. Research conducted in Russia and Eastern Europe indicates that Maral Root may indeed exert a beneficial effect cases of impotence, improve memory and learning, increase working capacity of tired skeletal muscles, and possess anabolic and adaptogenic properties. 

Rhaponticum carthamoides contains a number of antioxidant flavonoids and natural sterols, including a substance called 20-Hydroxyecdysone, which has been shown to increase protein production at the cellular level, and in turn enhance the production of muscle tissue. Rhaponticum extract can help to increase work capacity and endurance, while reducing mental and physical fatigue. 

They are  beautiful plant , foliage and flowers , the whole package.