Plants annual, 10–60(–80) cm. Taproot 2–3 mm thick. Stem solitary, striate, scabrous. Lower petioles 3–8 cm; blade ovate-lanceolate, 3–8 × 2–5 cm, 2–3-pinnate; ultimate segments linear to linear-lanceolate, 3–10 × 1–1.5 mm, veins and margins scabrous. Umbels 2–3(–5) cm across; bracts 6–10, linear to linear-lanceolate, 2–3 mm, persistent, margins narrowly white membranous, very finely ciliate; rays 8–20(–30), 5–20 mm, unequal; bracteoles 5–9, linear, nearly equal pedicels, margins ciliate; umbellules 15–20-flowered; pedicels 3–5 mm. Calyx teeth obsolete or minute. Stylopodium conic; styles 3–4 times longer than stylopodium. Fruit ovoid, 1.5–3 × 1–2 mm; lateral ribs slightly broader than the dorsal. Seed face plane.

Antipruritic, aphrodisiac, antirheumatic, astringent, carminative, discutient, sedative, vermifuge and vulnerary (seed)

Plants For A Future
Flora of China

The seeds are used externally as a lotion, powder or ointment for skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm, pruritus and scabies. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of Trichomonas vaginitis, leucorrhoea and uterine displacement. For trichomonas vaginatis, the decoction is also used over the local area or in a bath. The seed is also used in the treatment of impotence, often in conjunction with Schisandra chinensis. A decoction of the seed or whole plant is applied externally to skin problems including weeping eczema.