Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

The whole plant, including the spicy scented flowers of D. superbus or Qu Mai is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a full spectrum of health concerns. In particular: urinary system problems and to treat amenorrhea, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer and colon cancer. The plant is thought to contain anthocyanin. In accordance with the description from Chinese Materia Medica, it is bitter in flavour and cold in nature. It covers meridians of heart, liver, small intestine, and bladder. Basic functions are inducing diuresis, eliminating damp-heat, and activating blood circulation to promote menstruation. It should be avoided in cases of pregnant women and spleen-kidney deficiency.
Chinese Herbs Healing. 2012. Dianthus (Qu Mai). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/dianthus/. [Accessed 29 July 2016]. http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/dianthus/ link

Although it has been used in TCM for over 2,000 years, Dianthus superbus is not commonly used on its own. It is often taken with Dan Shen (Salvia multiorrhiza) to induce menstruation. The closely related Dianthus chinensis has the same uses as Qu Mai and is more commonly used. The plant is abortifacient, contraceptive, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic, tonic and vulnerary. It is said to promote hair growth. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of acute urinary tract infections (especially cystitis), urinary stones, constipation and failure to menstruate. Externally, it is applied to skin inflammations and swellings.
Plants for a Future. 2012. Dianthus superbus. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dianthus+superbus. [Accessed 29 July 2016]. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dianthus+superbus link

Geographical distribution

  • Asia-Temperate, China, China North-Central
  • Asia-Temperate, China, Inner Mongolia
  • Asia-Temperate, China, Qinghai
  • Asia-Temperate, China, Xinjiang
  • Asia-Temperate, Eastern Asia, Japan
  • Asia-Temperate, Middle Asia, Kazakhstan
  • Asia-Temperate, Middle Asia, Kyrgyzstan
  • Asia-Temperate, Middle Asia, Tadzhikistan
  • Asia-Temperate, Mongolia, Mongolia
  • Asia-Temperate, Russian Far East
  • Asia-Temperate, Siberia
  • Europe, Eastern Europe, Belarus
  • Europe, Eastern Europe, Northwest European Russia
  • Europe, Eastern Europe, Ukraine
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Austria
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Czech Republic
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Germany
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Hungary
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Netherlands
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Poland
  • Europe, Middle Europe, Switzerland
  • Europe, Northern Europe, Denmark
  • Europe, Northern Europe, Finland
  • Europe, Northern Europe, Norway
  • Europe, Northern Europe, Sweden
  • Europe, Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria
  • Europe, Southeastern Europe, Greece
  • Europe, Southeastern Europe, Yugoslavia
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, France

Dianthus superbus L.

Family: CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Genus: Dianthus
Species: superbus L.
Common names: Fringed Pink; Qu Mai
Distribution summary: Europe to Japan
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H6 - Hardy; very cold winter
Habitat: Damp, humus-rich soil in partial shade, on rocky hillsides, streamsides & clearings
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Far East (L)
Flowering months: May, June
Reason for growing: Medicinal


Back to List