Glehnia is a genus of plants in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Glehnia littoralis, commonly known as beach silvertop and American silvertop. The genus was named after Russian botanist Peter von Glehn.
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 , with the North American subspecies only reported to reach . The plant's erect stem is topped with an umbel of carrotlike white flowers.
Chemistry
The plant contains naphthisoxazole A.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies exist, one in Asia and one in North America; the latter is named leiocarpa.
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.
Uses
The plant is perhaps best known as a Chinese herbal remedy for cough.