| Binomial Name | Abutilon theophrasti |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | Leaves are a rich source of rutin. Roots contain pentoses, pentosans, uronic acid34 |
| Bloom | early spring to autumn23; flowering July-August34 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in diarrhea from deficient spleen, use cautiously during pregnancy36 |
| Days to Germinate | 100% germ in 2 days with scarification, 5-25% germ in 1-10 weeks without scarification33 |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Fruit | schizocarp- mericarps about 15, long-awned apically, many-seeded,; mericarps in a single whorl, each with 2-9 seeds in a single, longitudinal row18; fr. hemispherical 1.5-2 cm. across, sections sharply beaked34 |
| Functions/Uses | important fiber plant in China51; sweet, cold entering large intestine, small intestine, bladder, promotes urination, used for hot, bloody, or sandy painful urinary dysfunction, also used as an adjunctive herb for edema without painful urinary dysfunction, this herb is especially useful when these conditions ar accompanied by constipation, benefits the breasts, used for insufficient lactation, painful swollen breasts , or early stage breast abscess, moistens the intestines and moves stool, used as an adjunct for constipation from insufficient fluids in the intestines36; important fiber plant in China18; seed ground with honey and used externally for keratitis, for deafness; ground into powder and taken orally for dysentery, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, stomachic. Plant decocted with talc and Agastache for dysuria, used for dysentery, fevers, as a diuretic, shows CN-depressant activity in mice50; Formerly cultivated as a fiber plant34 |
| Germination notes | also immediate germ if seed immersed in water at 140F for 10min; sulfuric acid also works33 |
| Germination Temp | 70F33 |
| Hardiness | Z423 |
| Leaf Description | to 25cm diam, cordate-acuminate, crenate23; lvs ovate, orbicular, uop to 1 ft across, acuminate, cordate, velvety-pubescent18; entire plant covered by stellate velvet hairs; lvs. cordate, 3-9 cm. long, 2.5-7 cm. wide, irregularly crenate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | seed, plant50; Leaves, roots34 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Semen Abutiloni seu Malvae |
| Preparation | 2-4 qian32; Administering: 9-31 g. of leaves decocted for dysentery, poultice used for ulcers. 30-60 g. of roots decocted for dysentery and gatism (urinary incontinence)34 |
| Propagation Method | easily grown from seed34 |
| Range | major agricultural weed in America, introduced from China51; naturalized SE Europe, Mediterranean, and US23; naturalized and weedy in U.s.18 |
| Scarification | faster to germinate with higher germ33 |
| Seed Description | seed kidney-shaped34 |
| Soil Requirements | Average garden soil34 |
| Binomial Name | Achillea millefolium |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Jun-Oct1, Jun-Jul5 |
| Cultivation Notes | may require staking |
| Days to Bloom | 120-17626 |
| Days to Germinate | 7 days or less5, 15 days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | indoors 8-10 wks before last frost, bottom water, direct sowing outdoors not recommended26 |
| Family | Compositae, Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene1 |
| Functions/Uses | all-around remedy, for colds, fevers, wound healer, crushed flowers applied topically to stop bleeding26 |
| Genus | Achillia |
| Germination Light | light required4,26,33 |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless or paper towel33,26 |
| Germination Temp | 70F (21C)9,33, higher germ alternating moderate incubation temps4; 65-72F26 |
| Habitat | common in pastures1, “roadside weed”, |
| Hardiness | poor growing conditions throughout Eastern U.S.5, excels in cultivation |
| Indication for Harvest | flower heads turn dark brown and bracts with nutlets apparent5 |
| Leaf Description | bipinnately parted, segmented linear, 3-5 cleft1 |
| Medicinal Origin | Asia |
| Mulch Req | 2-3 inches to reduce weeds and keep soil from drying out5 |
| Opt Divide Time | early spring (also possible in late summer)5; divide every 3-4 yrs for vigor26 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Summer or Autumn, after flowering period5 |
| Opt Planting Time | sow seeds indoors in late winter or outdoors in seed flat in late April5; spring26 |
| Parts Used | Aerial Parts |
| Processing Req | lots of chaff surrounds nutlets, collect seed heads one month or more after flowering, bring indoors to air dry for at least 1 week before cleaning, crush heads to remove nutlets, sieve and screen5 |
| Propagation Method | plant division or by seed, division is quicker and easier propagation method5; direct seed or transplant26 |
| Pruning | mature plants should be divided every 2-3 years9, divided every other year5 |
| Range | N. America, Australia, New Zealand |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seed Storage Req | Cold Storage (44 F), Low Humidity |
| Seedling Care | grow seedlings for 3-5 wks at 70-72F in full light26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 200,00026 |
| Soil Ph | any26 |
| Soil Requirements | avg. garden soil5; well-drained26 |
| Spacing | 2 feet7; 12-24”26 |
| Species | millefolium |
| Stratification | dry storage of 6 months at 70F to break germ inhibitors33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to pots when 1st true lvs apper (3 wks after sowing), harden off and to plant outdoors after danger of frost26; transfer seedlings to containers after 6 wks and place in permanent spot in garden after one month |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | triterpenoid saponin24; contains calcium oxalate, saponin, and a hemolytic alkaloid, ecdysterone, inokosterone, and oleanolic acid49 |
| Bloom | summer2 |
| Cautions | warning: contraindicated for pregnancy10 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Achyranthes bidentata ox-knee, niu-xi Hardy, 3ft high, heat-loving perennial named for “knees” at its leaf nodes, showing tiny greenish flowers on spikes in summer. This China native has naturalized throughout the subtropics. For medicinal potency, direct seed or transplant starts in late spring in deeply dug bed of rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. However, it can be grown anywhere and easily self-seeds. Germination in 5-7 days. Thin to 6” when 3” high and mulch with manure. Keep a close eye on nui-xi, it has a tendency to invade. Best to pinch back flowering heads, thereby putting more energy into the root. Harvest root after 1-2 yrs in fall. Sun dry. Quality of root measured by size. 8250 seeds/oz. Grown commercially in eastern provinces of China, niu-xi root is traditionally used to strengthen liver and kidneys, as well as supporting muscle and bone structure. Current research shows effects in lowering blood pressure. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Cultivation Notes | grows best in warm areas10 |
| Days to Germinate | 5-7 days |
| Direct Sowing Req | rows covered lightly with soil10 |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Fruit | ascocarp, long-rounded containing 1 seed2 |
| Functions/Uses | neutral, bitter and acrid to taste, beneficial to liver, kidneys, strengthens muscle and bone structure. Promotes menstrual regularity, diuresis, pus drainage, resolves bruises2; expels blood stasis and reduces swelling, invigorates liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and tendons, used in prescriptions for turbid urine, difficult urination with blood, suppressed menstruation, difficulty in childbirth, difficulty in expelling the placenta, blood stasis after giving birth causing abdominal pains, sore throats, carbuncles with swelling, and traumatic injuries; used for waist, knee, and bone pains, and for stiffness, muscle spasms, pain, flaccidity and high blood pressure, used to nourish “kidney and liver” and to strengthen bone and sinews10; Current research: may lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate and dilating peripheral arteries24; leaf for chronic malaria, root as diuretic, demulcent, brewed for kidney and liver trouble, pain in the back, waist, and knees, and weakness in general, emmenagogue, used to expedit expulsion of placenta. Plant as antirheumatic, anodyne, used for ague, amenorrhea, carbuncles, dystocia, fever, gonorrhea, hematuria, pueperium, skin and urinary ailments, for pain in the knuckles and joints, arthritis, Chinese import the old stems in to Malaya for medicine, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic. Clinically shown to lower the blood pressure, slows down duodenal peristalsis, causes uterine contraction49 |
| Habitat | wild along roadsides and waste places2; in China at the edge of forests, along streams, and amid bushes24 |
| Hardiness | hardy to 10F10 |
| Indication for Harvest | after leaves shriveled10; root unearthed in winter once the foliage has died back23 |
| Leaf Description | opposite, ovate-lanceolate, apexes acute, bases cuneate, margins intact with petioles2; lvs opposite and ovate-oblong, 2-4” long and 1.5-2” wide, dense velvety hairs on both surfaces10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Mulch Req | liberal supply of good quality well-rotted manure10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | autumn or winter (late fall)10 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | after 1-2 years, in fall10 |
| Opt Planting Time | late spring10 |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Parts Used | Root, for decoction2; leaf, root, plant49 |
| Processing Req | after digging, wash, remove lateral rootlets,tie into bundles, dry in sun until surface wrinkled (not 100% dry), fumigate with sulfur, crown of root cut off and dried to 100%. Or...clean root, cover with moist cloth, cut crown, cut root into slices, sun dry. Top quality root is 16 hands, 2-6 hands (6-20”) common on market10 |
| Propagation Method | seed10 |
| Pruning | to stimulate root growth, lower leaves removed from first 8 inches of main stalk |
| Range | naturalized to Gulf States, nat. in subtropics and southern US, warmer pts of Asia and elsewhere10 |
| Root Description | fine, long, dirt yellow2 |
| Seedling Care | when 3-4”, thin to 6 inches, keep weeded |
| Seeds per OZ | 82500 |
| Soil Ph | Slightly Acidic, does not like alkaline or clay10 |
| Soil Requirements | rich, loose, sandy, well-drained10, needs deep soil for high quality root |
| Spacing | rows, 1.5 feet10 |
| Stem Description | erect, spindle-shaped, oblong nodes enlarged, young branches pubescent2; squared-stemmed, branching stems with swollen nodes10 |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata fo. rubra |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Binomial Name | Achyranthes bidentata var. japonica |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Binomial Name | Acorus gramineus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | B-asarone, asarone, cayophyllene, ahumulene, sekishone36; b - asarone34; essential oils 0.5-0.9% with principal constituent asarone, other components palmitic acid and a phenol compound15 |
| Cautions | Use cautiously in deficient yin with heat signs; use cautiously in cases of irritability with excessive sweating, vomiting blood, or spermatorrhea, Massive overdoses in mice studies have lead to convulsions, exquisite sensitivity to external stimuli and death36; Although no records of toxicity have been seen, this species belongs to a family where most of the species are poisonous, at least in the fresh state. The following notes are from the related A. calamus -the fresh root can be poisonous[7]. When using the plant medicinally, the isolated essential oil should not be used[165]40 |
| Cultivation Notes | Numerous cultivars (variegated) available34; A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties[208, 238]. The cultivar 'Pusillus' can be grown as a submerged aquatic plant[238]40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stand the pot in about 3cm of water40 |
| Family | Araceae |
| Functions/Uses | leaf to wash eruptions and leprous sores; root for pains of abdomen, back and side, rheumatism, numbness, boils, epilepsy, convulsion, coma, dyspepsia, hyperacidity, piles, purulent otitis media, anorexia, excessive dreams, deafness, chest and abdominal congestion, endless diarrhea, rhizome regarded as antirheumatic, stomachic, and tonic, powdered rhizome applied to bleeding gums; plant for convulsions, stomach (hangzhou), broken bones, anodyne, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, digestive, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermicide. Folk cancer remedy. Volatile oil vermicidal. Probably the medicinal virtues of this and A. calmus ar confusingly interchangable49; sometimes planted in bog gardens or an ornamental pot plant indoors18; pungent, warm, affinity to heart and liver, resuscitive, dissolves phlegm in respiratory tract, stomachic, digestive, for fainting due to heat excess or excess phlegm, hysteria, ringing in the ears, and deafness, oppression in the chest, chronic dysentery, sedative in insomnia, also a good digestive19; acrid, slightly warm, aromatic, entering heart, liver, spleen, opens the orifices and vaporizes phlegm, used for phlegm blockages that prevent the clear yang of consciousness from becoming fully manifest, associated symptoms include deafness, dizziness, and dulled sensorium, as well as seizures or stupor, Harmonizes the Middle Burner and transforms turbid dampness, used for such symptoms as chest and epigastric fullness and abdominal pain due to Dampness distressing the spleen and stomach. Clinical rsrch indicates sedative effect, gastrointestinal effect increasing digestive secretions and relaxing intestinal spasm, effect on temperature regulation36; Edible Uses- Condiment; Root. Root - raw or cooked[105, 177]. It should be peeled, finely chopped and soaked in several changes of water first[183]. A stronger and more pleasing taste than A. calamus[2, 183]. The root is also used as a ginger substitute[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Medicinal Uses- Anodyne; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antiperiodic; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Aromatic; Cardiac; Carminative;Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Sedative; Stimulant; Stomachic; Tonic; Vermifuge. Antiperiodic, antispasmodic, cardiac, emmenagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge[4, 7, 9, 21, 61, 165, 176, 178]. The root is antifungal, antibacterial, antirheumatic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic[4, 147, 218, 238, 240]. It is also powdered and applied to bleeding gums[218, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of digestive problems and depression[238]. The root can be harvested at any time of the year, except when the plant is in flower[238]. The whole plant is anodyne, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, digestive, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge[218]. Other Uses- Essential; Ground cover; Insecticide; Repellent. The dried root repels insects[178]. It is probably also insecticidal[178, 240]. An essential oil is obtained from the plant[240]. A useful ground cover plant, forming a spreading clump[208]40; pungent flavor, warm property entering heart and liver, opens orifices, expels phlegm and turbidity, replenishes intelligence for epilepsy, wind diseases, coma due to accumulation of phlegm, amnesia, excessive dreaming, arthralgia due to wind cold and dampness, obstruction of dh’i, deafness, diarrhea. Research indicates stomachic effect, stimulating secretion of digestive juices and preventing abnormal fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, analgesic effect relieving spasms of intestinal tract smooth muscle, sedative effect, volatile oil inhibits excitation of the DNS and decreases spontaneous activities in mice, antifungal effect, diuretic action and improving topical blood circulation, external application causes local skin irritation15 |
| Habitat | marshy places18 wetlands51; in wet places along ponds and streams, in rocky mountain gullies34; Wet places by streams and around ponds in C. and S. Japan[58]40 |
| Leaf Description | lvs arising from horizontal rhizomes, not aromatic, lvs rarely more than 1/4” wide, without distinct midrib, spadix slender, to 3” long18; lvs 8-50cm, equitant, sheathing, grass-like, glossy, sedge-like, finely tapering, arranged in a fan23; lvs linear, grass-like, 2-6 (8) mm. wide, shining, dark green, without midrib34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | Grows well in shallow water margins of ponds etc[1, 2], though it can also succeeds in drier habitats[56]40 |
| Opt Divide Time | Division in spring just before growth starts[1]. Very easy, the plants can be divided at any time in the growing season and can be planted direct into their permanent positions[K]40 |
| Opt Planting Time | as soon as ripe40 |
| Origin | Richters |
| Parts Used | leaf, root, plant49; rhizomes19 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Rhizoma Acori Graninei |
| Preparation | dry 3-8 g, fresh 10-15g19; 1-3 qian in either decoctions, pills, or powders, when used topically can either be prepared as a powder or as a decoction for a wash36; Administering: Dried root used in decoction, or juice of fresh root, as analgesic stomachic, for abdominal pains, rheumatism, epilepsy, boils, numbness34 |
| Propagation Method | division18; propagate by root division34 |
| Root Description | rhizome slender18; creeping, much-branched, 5-8 mm. in diameter34 |
| Seedling Care | Pot up young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, keep them wet by standing the pots in shallow water and overwinter for the first year in a greenhouse or cold frame40 |
| Soil Requirements | moist rich soil34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or dappled shade34; Requires a sunny position[200]40 |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Agastache rugosa |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | volatile oil, including methyl chavicol, anethole, anisaldehyde, and limonene24 |
| Bloom | summer/ fall2 |
| Bloom Date | June 12, 1998 |
| Catalog Prose | Agastache rugosa Korean Mint Huo-xiang A native of Japan, Vietnam, Laos and Manchuria, this aromatic perennial has thick spikes of blue-purple flowers and a strong minty, anise-like scent. We have direct-seeded this in our gardens with excellent results. Pinching tops back early will help the bush to become more stable as the plant matures. Thin to 18 inches apart. The tea is delicious and is traditionally used to strengthen the stomach, helping with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. 2-3 ft. Ordinary loam. Full sun. Aromatic perennial, 2-3 ft tall, native to East Asia with thick spikes of blue-purple flowers in Aug-Nov. Direct-seed in spring in sandy, moist, well-drained loam. Full sun. Pinch back and thin to 18”. Harvest herb in late summer or fall when flowers appear. Shade dry. Tea used to strengthen the stomach, helping with nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. 1999 Agastache rugosa Korean mint , huo-xiang Native to Japan, Vietnam, Laos and Manchuria, this aromatic perennial has thick spikes of blue-purple flowers in Aug-Nov and a strong minty, anise-like scent. Direct-seed in spring in sandy, moist, well-drained loam. Full sun. Pinch back and thin to 18”. 2-3 ft tall Harvest herb in late summer or fall when flowers appear. Shade dry. 196,000 seeds/oz. The tea is delicious and is traditionally used to strengthen the stomach, helping with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and sluggish energy. Current reteach indicates treatment for fungal infections. |
| Days to Bloom | 12026 |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Fruit | nut, long-oblong, yellow2 |
| Functions/Uses | warming, pleasant yet acrid, clears fevers, resolves moisture, strengthens stomach, stops vomiting, diarrhea, angina2, warming to dampness in digestive system resulting in poor digestion and loss of vitality, relieves abdominal bloating, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, prevent morning sickness, treats viral infections, combined with Scutellaria baicalensis to treat malaise, fever, lethargy, used externally to treat fungal conditions. Research: effective against fungal infections24 |
| Genus | Agastache |
| Habitat | Hillsides16, stream banks, common cultivar2 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +10 TO +20 DEGREES F; -12.2 TO -6.7 DEGREES C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | plant is beginning to flower16 |
| Leaf Description | opposite, ovate-deltate, apexes acuminate, bases rounded to cordate, margins coarsely serrate with long petioles2, 6-8cm, ovate, apex acute to acuminate, serrate, glab, to hirtellous23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Harvest Time | summer or autumn16 |
| Parts Used | Dried Aerial Plant16, aerial parts24 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | 18 inches |
| Range | East Asia, also found in Japan, Korea, Laos, and Russia, grows wild on slopes and along roadsides, cultivated throughout China24 |
| Seeds per OZ | 196,000 |
| Species | rugosa |
| Stem Description | erect, oblong2, to 120cm, branching above23 |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Agrimonia pilosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, including luteolin, volatile oil, and polysaccharides24; agrimonol, agrimonolide, prytocatechol, pyrogallic acid, phlobaphene, leaf, stem contains luteolin-7-B-glucoside, apigenin-7-B-glucoside15 |
| Bloom | summer24 |
| Bloom Date | 07/05/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Agrimonia pilosa agrimony, xian he cao With loose flowers of pale yellow in summer, this softly hairy, aromatic perennial to 6 ft ranges from eastern Europe to Japan. Preferring hilly grasslands and marshes in its native lands, agrimony easily grows in well-drained sandy loam under full sun. Direct seed in springtime after danger of frost, propagate in subsequent years by rhizome division. Space at 2-3 ft and harvest herb when in bloom. Clean and sun dry. Xian he cao has traditionally been used to heal wounds and treat vomiting with blood, blood in urine, stomach pain and exhaustion. Current research in China supports this, finding that xian he cao stimulates platelet formation and hastens blood coagulation. It also shows promise as an antibacterial, anticancer, and cardiotonic. Flowers are a source for golden yellow dye. |
| Days to Germinate | 3weeks0 |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Fruit | achene enclosed in persistent calyx with hooks16; bristles on fruit incurved, connivent apically18 |
| Functions/Uses | heals wounds because it staunches bleeding and encourages clot formation. Astringent and mildly bitter, helpful remedy for diarrhea and gentle tonic for digestion, for cystitis, urinary incontinence, kidney stones, sore throats, rheumatism, arthritis; current research has established blood staunching abilities24; nature is bitter, cold for lungs, liver, spleen, astringent, hemostatic, for all forms of hemorrhage, increases number of thrombocytes (blood-clotting cells) which improves coagulation capacity by 40-50%, strengthens osmotic resistance of blood vessel walls, cardiotonic19; sweet, cold, enters channel of liver, spleen, and lung meridians, cools blood, controls bleeding disperses stagnant blood, for hematemesis, epistaxis, functional bleeding, hematuria, bleeding due to external trauma, dermal ulcer, toxic furuncle. Pharmacology: hemostatic effect stimulates platelet formation and hastens blood coagulation, hypotensive effects, anti-inflammatory effects for conjunctivitis, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiotonic- regulates heart rate, in high doses slows heart beat, anthelmintic (root)15; hemostatic for treatment of spitting blood, vomiting blood, hematuria, bloody stool, bud used as antihelmintic for treatment of taeniasis16; source of golden-yellow dye, treats vomiting of blood, dysentery, blood in urine and stools, bleeding of uterus, pain in stomach, exhaustion from overwork14 |
| Germination Temp | 60F0 |
| Habitat | marshes, wet meadows, open areas24; hilly grasslands16 |
| Indication for Harvest | Fully Matured Plant (flowering)16 |
| Leaf Description | densely villose, lvs alternate imparipinnately divided with 3-9 lflts elliptically shaped, 2-6 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, under surface with yellowish glandular spots16; light, aromatic, hairy with lobes lvs with basal ones arranged in a rosette while those along stem are alternate14; lflts glandular, pubescent, toothed23; lflts with 3-7 teeth on each side, cuneate ate base, pubescent b beneath on veins only 18 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24 |
| Opt Divide Time | spring18 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when blooming24; summer or autumn when fully grown16 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | bud with rhizome collected in late autumn or early spring16 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring18 |
| Origin | NJBG, Beijing |
| Parts Used | Dried Aerial Plant24,16; leaves and stems19; dried whole herb15; dried buds bearing short pieces of rhizome16 |
| Preparation | 15-30g15 |
| Processing Req | cleaned and dried in the sun15; bud cleaned and dried in sum or by gentle heat16 |
| Propagation Method | propagated by division or seed18 |
| Range | throughout China16 |
| Root Description | rhizome23 |
| Stem Description | cylindrical at lower part, reddish-brown, and tetrangular and greenish brown at upper parts (when dried)16 |
| Sun Requirement | partial shade18 |
| Binomial Name | Allium tuberosum |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | Summer-autumn23 |
| Bloom Date | July-Aug;:Aug 28, 1998; May 12, 1998 (front garden); |
| Catalog Prose | Oriental Garlic Jiu-Zi This striking, white-flowered perennial looks great as a border plant, blooming from September through October. Its edible leaves are garlic flavored and tidy. The plant increases in volume each year, and is divided easily like setting out onions. Likes compost! Used in Chinese medicine to warm the kidneys and stomach, it is also used to treat urinary incontinence, impotence, sore lower back and knees. 1-2 feet. Average garden soil. Full sun. 1999 Allium tuberosum Oriental garlic, jiu-zi Striking, white-flowered perennial blooms Sept- Oct. Edible leaves are garlic-flavored used in its native China for medicine and cooking. Direct seed or divide in the spring. Cover well with average garden soil in area of full sun exposure. Prefers dark to germinate and will sprout within 14 days. Grows to 2 ft. Likes compost, especially in cold winter climes. Harvest chives before flowering or collect seed in fall. Used to warm kidneys and stomach, also for treatment of urinary incontinence, impotence, sore lower back and knees. |
| Collection Data Other | Bought from Companion Plants 90-95 |
| Days to Germinate | 7-1426 |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | cooking26 |
| Genus | Allium |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= 0 TO +10F; -17.7 TO -12.3C23 |
| Leaf Description | 35-0.8cm, 4-9, solid, keeled23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Mulch Req | mulch when winter temps below -10F26 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring26 |
| Plant height | 1-2 feet |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant; easy26 |
| Range | South East Asia |
| Scarification | no |
| Seeds per OZ | 15,0000; 640026 |
| Spacing | 6-8”26 |
| Species | tuberosum |
| Stem Description | to 50cm, angled23 |
| Stratification | no |
| Sun Requirement | full sun to part shade26 |
| Binomial Name | Angelica archangelica |
| Ann/Per | Biennial Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil (betaphellandrene), lactones, coumarins24; root oil of phellandrine, alpha-pinene, and limonene, coumarins of osthol, angelicin, umbelliferone, bergapten, and psoralene, seed oil similar to root and contains imperatorin12 |
| Bloom | 2nd year26 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24; can cause skin sensitivities if taken internally, avoid sun exposure12 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Angelica archangelica garden angelica, archangel Aromatic biennial showing greenish-cream blooms in summer of second year. This European native prefers rich, slightly acidic soil close to running water. Direct-seed in fall or stratify for spring planting. Light required for germination in 30 days. Spaced at 1-2ft, will grows to 6ft in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to -30F. Harvest root in fall of 2nd year. Sun dry. In the European tradition, all parts of the archangel have medicinal use. Young stalks are eaten in salads, albeit sparingly, and Angelica oil is used to flavor liqueurs. The archangel is also used as a tonic to improve energy while current research indicates antibacterial and antifungal properties. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. May cause sun sensitivity after internal ingestion. |
| Cultivation Notes | likes cool climate, stinging nettle planted as a companion increases angelica’s oil content by 80%, subject to aphid attacks, spray with garlic water12; shelter from wind47 |
| Days to Germinate | 3026; germ in one month or more12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | tamp into soil in 1/2” deep prepared bed12 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Fruit | monocarpic23; 20-30 vittae adhere to seeds in each fruit12 |
| Functions/Uses | tonic against infection, improves energy, stimulates circulation, antibacterial, antifungal, warming expectorant26; antispasmodic and remedy for menstrual disorders, flavoring in liqueurs such as Benedictine and Chartreuse10; warming tonic useful in wide range of illnesses, all pts relieve gas, indigestion, colic, useful for poor circulation, bring relief from bronchitis and chest conditions24; diaphoretic, expectorant, nervine, carminative, stimulant, emmenagogue, next to juniper, angelica arch is main flavor of gin, angelica-root oil antibacterial and antifungal12 |
| Germination Light | light required12, 47 |
| Germination notes | press seeds into soil surface, for spring sowing (after overwinter storage), plant seeds on a bed of damp sphagnum moss and keep in refrigerator for several weeks before exposing to light47 |
| Habitat | prefers damp sites, especially near running water24 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -30 TO -20 F; -34.4 TO -28.9 C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | seeds ripen12 |
| Leaf Description | leaf blades to 60cm, 2-3-pinnate; seg. 3-parted, upper lvs with inflated petiole base23; aromatic, large bright green leaves24; leaves with many leaflets divided into two or three main groups, which are again divided into smaller groups, edges finely toothed, petioles flattened horizontally clasping to main stem12 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe12 |
| Moisture Req | likes closeness to running water12 |
| Opt Harvest Time | August26; seeds as they ripen in late summer24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | leaves and stems are harvested in early summer24; lvs in 1st fall so main stem not damaged12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | roots in late autumn after one year’s growth24; 1st or 2nd fall or spring of 2nd yr, 2nd yr roots more desirable12 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring, fall26; best to plant in late summer or early autumn soon after ripening12, 47 |
| Parts Used | all26,12; root, leaves, stems, seeds24 |
| Planting Rate per Acre | 20,000 plants/acre12 |
| Preparation | culinary: young stalks peeled and eaten sparingly in salads or cooked in parboiled 2x, add honey to sweeten, or cook in milk with Rumex to make a coagulated dish stored for winter, leaves as tea substitute, powdered root as flour for bread, fish preserved by wrapping in Angelica leaves12 |
| Processing Req | umbels dried in shade at 80F, roots cleaned before drying, larger roots sliced in smaller pieces, dried angelica subject to insect infestations12 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed, transplant26; from seeds or by dividing offshoots from old roots, tamp rather than bury12, transplants easy if dig without disturbing root, can grow to 8 feet. when seedlings 3-4 inches, transplant at 1-ft spacing in rows 2-3 ft apart, 20,000 plants per acre, 1 acre can produce 8-11 lbs of seed and 800-1300lbs dried root (12000lbs fresh root per acre). Lge roots may weigh up to 3 lbs, companion plant with stinging nettle which increases oil content by 80%, subject to aphids. lvs harvested in 1st fall (not damaging to stem), root in 1-2nd fall or in spring of 2nd yr. 2yr old roots most desirable, umbels as seeds ripen and dried in shade at 80F. roots cleaned before drying, larger cut into slices, dried and subject to insects so store in sealed containers, roots must be harvested soon after seeds ripen, will quickly rot in ground after maturation. young stalks peeled and eaten sparingly in salads or cooked in 2waters as veg, add honey to 2nd boiling. |
| Range | grows in temperate regions as far apart as W Eur, Himal, and Siberia24 |
| Root Description | taproot short, thick, fleshy with numerous rootlets12 |
| Scarification | not required |
| Seed Description | 1/4” long, flattened on one side and convex on other with 3 ribs, thin, paperlike, winged sides12 |
| Seed Storage Req | cold, dry26; seed refrigerated for planting the following spring, stored at 41F12; may last overwinter in airtight refrigerated container47 |
| Seed Viability Time | limited, remains viable for 6mo without proper storage12; very short lived47 |
| Seedling Care | transplant seedling in spring when 3-4”12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 550026 |
| Soil Ph | prefers slightly acid soil with pH of 5 to 712 |
| Soil Requirements | fairly rich, light, well-drained but moist loam, adaptive to most garden soils12; rich soil47 |
| Spacing | 12-24”26; 1-2 ft in rows 2-3 feet apart12; 3ft apart47 |
| Stem Description | ridged upright hollow stems24; large, ribbed, smooth, hollow with purple cast12 |
| Stratification | seeds in moist medium and refrig before planting26, moist chilling before planting helps47 |
| Sun Requirement | sun to pt. shade26; loves partial shade12 |
| Transplanting Req Est | easy if can dig without disturbing roots12 |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Angelica dahurica |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | byak-angelicin, byak-angelicol, olypeucedanin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, angelic acid, angelicotoxin, santhotoxin, marmesin, scopoletin, isobyakangelico,l, neobyakangelicol36; volatile oil and the coumarins imperatorin, marmesin, and phellopterin24; Byak-angelicol, Byak-angelicin, Oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, xanthotoxin, nodakenetin, anhydrobyakangelicin, neobyakangelicol, scopoletin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and bergapten34 |
| Bloom | fruiting July-August34 |
| Bloom Date | 04/28/99 to 05/20/99 |
| Cautions | very drying, use cautiously if sores have already burst or if the pus drains smoothly36; do not take during pregnancy24; Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight andmay cause dermatitis[238]40 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Angelica dahurica Chinese angelica, bai zhi Growing to 8 ft, this aromatic perennial blooms with subdued, lacy greenish-white flowers in summer. Native to mountains and thickets ranging from eastern Siberia to Japan, today, bai zhi is cultivated throughout eastern and central China for its medicinal strength. Best to start seeds in flats outdoors in fall to naturally cold stratify, tamp softly, light required to germinate. Like all Angelica, fresh seed does best, so plant on delivery. If planting in spring, cold stratify at 40F for 3 mo before planting. Once established, transplant in fairly rich, well-drained moist soil under full sun to part shade. Harvest root of mature plant in spring, and divide to produce more. Sun dry. Enjoying a long medicinal history in China, bai zhi is commonly used to relieve cold symptoms including headache, sinus congestion, and fever. Folk tradition reveals cancer and toothache relief. Pharmacological research suggests antibacterial, analgesic, stimulant showing promise to treat facial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy, do not apply to open sores. |
| Cultivation Notes | plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[200]40 |
| Direct Sowing Req | best sown in a cold frame, seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe40 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Fruit | fr glabrous, elliptical, flat, 8-9 mm. long, slender dorsal ribs, winged lateral ribs34 |
| Functions/Uses | acrid, warm enters lung, stomach, expels wind, alleviates pain, used for supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, toothache, warming, reduces swelling, expels pus, in early stages of surface sores and carbuncles to expel wind and reduce swelling, discharges pus, expels dampness, alleviates discharge opens up nasal passages, for sinus congestion, pharmacological antimicrobial, used in ophthalmology, a burn ointment to promote healing, use in otolaryngology when inhaled through nose effective for headache and toothache36; pain killer for use in common cold, headache, and fever, treat boils and abscesses, itching, diphtheria, blood in in urine, snake bites, vaginal discharge14;pharmacology with antipyretic effect, antibacterial effect, analgesic effect, antifungal effect, stimulation of central nervous system, traditional applications for headache, toothache, ocular irritation, rhinorrhea, fresh hematochezia, hemorrhoids, pinkish and white leukorrhea, dermal dryness, pruritis15; pungent bitter for headaches, aching eyes, nasal congestion, toothache, warming tonic, sores, boils, ulcer of skin, valuable in treating facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia24; Root used as an analgesic, anodyne, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, stimulant, and suppurative. Used in headache, toothaches, neuralgia, gonorrhea, hematuria, snakebite, and folk cancer remedy. Externally the root is used for abscesses, boils, and cuts34; Edible Uses: Leaves. Leaves - cooked[105, 177]. Medicinal Uses:Analgesic; Antibacterial; Antidote; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Poultice; Stimulant. Analgesic, antibacterial, antidote, diaphoretic, poultice[176, 178]. The root is anodyne, carminative, diuretic and stimulant[218]40 |
| Genus | Angelica |
| Germination Light | light preferred33; requires light for germination[200]40 |
| Habitat | wild in thickets24; mountains34; Damp habitats in mountains, C. Japan[58, 200]40 |
| Leaf Description | aromatic, large 3-branched lvs24; stout, erect, glabrous, lvs 2-3 ternately pinnate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China24 |
| Opt Divide Time | early spring34 |
| Opt Planting Time | sown immediately after ripening34; as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[200]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower40 |
| Origin | NJBG |
| Parts Used | root36, 14, 24; roots, leaves, stalks34 |
| Pollination Req | insects, self-fertile40 |
| Propagation Method | seeds and division18; seeds, dividing off-shoots from crown34; Seed40 |
| Range | E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Siberia40 |
| Soil Requirements | likes a fairly rich, moist soil with good drainage34; deep moist fertile soil40 |
| Species | dahurica |
| Stem Description | hollow24 |
| Sun Requirement | likes full sun, but will tolerate partial shade34; dappled shade or full sun[200]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for ther first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring40 |
| Synonyms | Callisace dahurica |
| Binomial Name | Aralia cordata |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | Diterpenic acids A,B, and C, grandifloric acid, 17-dihydroxy-16-beta-l-kauran-19-oic acid, l-pimarar-8(14)15-dien-oic-acid, and l-pimara-8(14) 15-dien-19-olic acid34 |
| Bloom | summer23, August34 |
| Bloom Date | 07/04/99 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Aralia cordata udo, jiu yan du huo Known also as Japanese spikenard, this member of the ginseng family hails from East Asia growing wild alongside streams in rich woods. To 4 ft, udo’s tiny flowers appear in summer. Direct seed in fall or stratify for early spring planting in rich humus under partial shade. Space with 2 ft centers and harvest roots in fall or early spring. Slice and sun dry. Today, udo is cultivated in Japan and it’s young spring shoots are eaten as a vegetable. Traditionally, udo root in decoction was used to relieve pain, excess gas, swelling, headaches and pulmonary problems. |
| Cultivation Notes | In Japan it is much much cultivated as a vegetable for the shoots. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in N. America34 |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Functions/Uses | treats pain and/or swelling in joints and muscles from wind, damp, cold particularly in lower half of body, includes chronic arthritis that is worse in damp, cold weather, roots and stems used, spicy, warming, contains no poison, dispels wind, harmonizes blood, dries dampness, moves blood, stops pain and reduces swelling, can be used for lower back pain or stiff lower back muscles, due to wind, damp, diaphoretic, relieves pain, removes edema through diuresis, clears wind and strengthens weakness25, root used in decoction as tonic, stimulant, and anodyne in headaches, stomach ache, toothache, rheumatism, lumbago, and lameness. The roots are also used in pulmonary ailments, including tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and asthma. The young shoots are eaten as a pot herb in Japan34 |
| Genus | Aralia |
| Germination Temp | Warm1 |
| Habitat | Hardy to Zone 5; occurs in rich woods along streams and in ravines34 |
| Leaf Description | unarmed herbaceous, leaves 2-3x compound, uppermost trifoliate or simple; lflts ovate, to 15-10cm, finely toothed23, stout herb with spreading branches, leaves large, 3-5 pinnate, petioles 15-30 cm. long; leaflets glabrous above, slightly pubescent below on veins, long-ovate, to obovate, 4-15 cm. long, 3-10 cm. wide, coarsely serrate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China34, 24 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | Roots can be harvested in autumn or early spring before vegetative growth commences, sliced and dried34 |
| Opt Planting Time | Early Spring; sown after ripening34 |
| Parts Used | root, young leaf shoots34 |
| Processing Req | roots are dug up and placed in dark drying shed, or young shoots are covered with leaf mold or sawdust to blanch the shoots before harvesting as a vegetable, shoots are harvested like asparagus34 |
| Propagation Method | by seeds or by division of roots34 |
| Range | Japan, Cultivated in US |
| Soil Ph | Normal Range |
| Soil Requirements | likes a rich, moist soil, well-supplied with organic matter34 |
| Spacing | Up to 9’ Tall1 |
| Species | cordata |
| Sun Requirement | grows best in partial shade34 |
| Binomial Name | Arctium lappa |
| Ann/Per | Biennial |
| Active constituents | bitter glycosides (arctiopicrin), flavonoids (arctiin), tannins, polyacetylens, volatile oil, inulin (up to 45%), sesquiterpens24 |
| Bloom | summer |
| Catalog Prose | Great Burdock Niu-Bang Zi A familiar North American plant of Eurasian origin, Burdock has a well deserved reputation for multiple medicinal uses. It is a biennial, producing huge leaves to three feet, followed by a lilac flower and burr seedpods. A beautiful, dramatic plant! Yes, it is invasive, but very easy to control. The leaves of the self seeded plants appear in fall, and by spring are the perfect size for eating. They can be easily removed from where you don’t want them, and won’t re-sprout. A great plant for rotation through a garden bed, we discovered that it got rid of some terribly tenacious quack grass. Historically all parts of the plant have been used. From gout to gonorrhea, eczema, flu and leprosy, the great Burdock has been there. In China, the seed is used for fever, sore throat and cough. 1-3 feet. Average garden soil. Sun or shade. 1999 Arctium lappa great burdock, niu-bang zi A familiar North American plant of Eurasian origin, this biennial grows to 3 ft and produces huge leaves followed by a lilac flower and burr seedpods. Direct seed in spring in deep, loose garden soil. Grows best in full sun but also shade tolerant. Very hardy and yes, invasive, but easy to control. Leaves of self seeded plants appear in fall, and by spring are the perfect size for eating. Great plant for rotation through a garden bed, we discovered that it got rid of some terribly tenacious quack grass. Attention seed collectors: be careful, plants need to be distanced 1/2mile to ensure seed purity. Harvest midsummer. Historically all parts of the plant have been used. From gout to gonorrhea, eczema, flu and leprosy, the great burdock has been there. In China, the seed is used for fever, sore throat and cough. Current research suggest antibiotic and antibacterial activity in the root. |
| Collection Data Other | Also bought from P.E. Allen Farm Supply |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene, obovate and covered with stiff hairs2 |
| Functions/Uses | roots used in Japanese dishes3, cold, bitter, biting, clears fever, detoxifies, dispels wind, influenza, tonsillitis, boils2, cleansing, mild diuretic, antibiotic, antiseptic. Research: antibiotic effect of root, antibacterial and antifungal, diuretic, lowers blood sugar levels, antitumor action. Arctiin is a smooth muscle relaxant. History: gout, fevers, kidneys stones, seeds remove toxins, skin problems and fever/infections24 |
| Genus | Arctium |
| Habitat | Hillsides and Grasslands16, mostly cultivated2 |
| Hardiness | hardy, can tolerate high and low temps; MINTEMP= -40to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | Ripe Fruit16 |
| Leaf Description | basal leaves clustered, stem leaves opposite, large, broad-ovate-cordate, leaf surfaces glossy, underside pubescent2, Basal lvs to 50cm, ovate, cordate; petioles solid23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Harvest Time | Autumn, seeds harvested in summer24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | whole plant is dug up in midsummer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | spring |
| Parts Used | Dried Ripe Fruit, seed, roots, leaves (externally), all24 |
| Plant height | 1-3 feet |
| Pollination Req | flowers self-pollinating, will cross pollinate so caging necessary when growing for seed. Isolation of 1/2 mile will ensure seed purity. Does not cross-pollinate with A. minus3 |
| Propagation Method | seed |
| Range | North America, Japan and China, grown extensively in Japan, grows in temperate regions throughout world24 |
| Root Description | can grow to 36”, fleshy3 |
| Root Storage Pref | Dried in the Sun Before Storage16 |
| Seed Viability Time | 5+ years, under ideal conditions3 |
| Soil Requirements | Deep, Loose |
| Species | lappa |
| Stem Description | multibranced, height 1-2 m. |
| Sun Requirement | Full Sun |
| Type | Both Chinese and Indigenous |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia annua |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | artemisinin10; volatile oil (abrotamine, beta-bouronene), Sesquiterpene lactone (artemisinin) Vit A24 |
| Bloom | summer-autumn23 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Artemisia annua sweet annie, quing-hao Sweet annie is a fast growing, sweet-scented annual with tiny green-yellow blossoms. Sow directly in early spring in any soil and full sun. With light can germinate in one week. Thin to 2 ft when seedlings established. Bright green, fern-like foliage grows to 6 ft and lasts into late October when the seed ripens. Not invasive. Sweet and easy, it invites no pests, is hardy in driest times and will grow anywhere. Harvest herb in summer before flowering and sun dry. In Chinese medicine, sweet annie leaves are used mainly for heat relief but also for colds, dysentery, indigestion and fevers related to sunstroke and tuberculosis. Currently the World Health Organization is researching sweet annie seeds to treat malaria. Sweet Annie Quing-Hao Sweet Annie is a fast growing, sweet-scented annual with tiny green-yellow blossoms. Sow directly in early spring and thin to two feet. The bright green, fern-like foliage makes a full backdrop for smaller plants and lasts into late October when the seed ripens. Not invasive. Sweet and easy, it invites no pests, is hardy in driest times and will grow anywhere. Heat relief is the main use in Chinese medicine. It has also been used for treatment of colds, dysentery, indigestion and fevers related to sunstroke and tuberculosis. Currently the World Health Organization is doing research using the seeds of Sweet Annie for treatment of malaria. 1-9 feet. Any soil. Full sun. |
| Days to Bloom | 12026 |
| Days to Germinate | after 1 wk10; 7-21days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | only in areas with long growing seasons, barely cover26 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | dispels heat, cools blood, removes fever, reduces summer heat syndrome10; prevents and cures malaria and free from side effects24 |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 70-75F26; 7033 |
| Greenhouse Req | indoors 6-8wks before last frost, barely cover26 |
| Habitat | found throughout China on mountainsides, disturbed soil, fallow ground, and along roadsides, grows in waste places in NA10 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= +10 TO +20F; -12.2 TO -6.7C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | flowers in bud10,24 |
| Leaf Description | erect, glabrous, leaves (1-)2-3-pinnatisect, lobes to 5x1mm, linear-lanceolate, entire or toothed23 |
| Opt Divide Time | autumn24 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | Aug-Oct, before flowering, artemisinin max in late July or Aug10; summer before flowers bloom24 |
| Opt Planting Time | early spring before the last spring frost10; spring, after last frost24 |
| Parts Used | leaves24 |
| Plant height | 1-9 ft |
| Plant spacing | 2 ft |
| Processing Req | cleaned and used fresh or dried, avoid drying under direct sun10 |
| Propagation Method | easily grown from seed direct sown10; prop by seed or dividing rootstock24 |
| Range | Asia, North America, widely nat in cent and south Eur10 |
| Seedling Care | seedlings frost tolerant10; bottom water, keep moist26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 400,0000; 1,600,00026 |
| Soil Requirements | no particular soil conditions, grows in wide variety of soils10 |
| Spacing | thin to 24-23”26 |
| Stem Description | often red23 |
| Stratification | seed must be dried in order to germ33 |
| Sun Requirement | prefers full sun10 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to seed packs after 2nd set of true leaves, harden and transplant after danger of frost26 |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia capillaris |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | scoparone, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, B-pinene, capillin, caplilone, capillene, capillarin, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidid acid36 |
| Cautions | contraindicated in cases of deficiency jaundice with pale yellow skin, normal urination, and soggy pulse, led to development of Adams-Stokes syndrome in 2 women being treated for hepatitis36 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Artemisia capillaris Chinese moxa weed, yin chen hao Light greenish-purple leaves of this perennial reach up to 6 feet in full sun. Softly aromatic, cool and lacy, native to northern China, Japan and Taiwan, yin chen hao is hardy in the coldest climes. Plant seeds in a cell in spring or direct seed and water to stimulate germination. Temperatures to 70F inspire growth in beds of any soil. Space at 2 ft, and stake when tall. Harvest young shoots and leaves in spring after 2nd yr. Easy. Bitter and acrid, yin chen hao works on the liver, stomach, spleen and gall bladder to clear jaundice, fever and treat hepatitis. Recent studies show antibacterial, antiviral, and hypotensive effects of essential oil. Strong medicine of the Chinese tradition, it increases bile and may suppress autonomic response. Use only under physicians care. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | bitter, acrid, cool, enters channels of liver, spleen, gall bladder, stomach, clears damp heat form liver and gall bladder and relieves jaundice, clears heat and releases exterior conditions, used for heat patterns with such symptoms as intermittent fever and chills, a bitter taste in mouth , a sense of constriction in the chest, flank pain, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite, pharmacological rsrch: effect on biliary system slightly increase bile flow and cause contractions in gall bladder, effect on liver decrease rate of hepatic dell death, treatment of icteric hepatitis- fevers subside quickly ,jaundice disappears and liver returns to normal size, effect on temperature regulation (antipyretic), effect of blood pressure (decreases), diuretic, antifungal- essential oil, used to treat hepatitis36; essential oil to have antifungal and antibacterial effects, cools the body system, treats infectious hepatitis, jaundice, constipation, fever, increase urine flow14; bitter, neutral, spleen, stomach, liver, gall bladder, diuretic, antipyretic, for jaundice due to damp-heat excess, effective remedy for jaundice, also promotes secretion of bile19; antipyretic, stimulates bile, hypotensive, effect on fats lowering serum cholesterol, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral to influenza, anthelmintic on spineless round worms, may inhibit motor reflexes and activities15 |
| Germination Temp | all Artemisia are D-70 germinators33 |
| Habitat | herb survives cold winter until next spring and its sprout grows form the old dried stem15 |
| Medicinal Origin | China36 |
| Origin | Hunning BG (No Robert Packet) |
| Parts Used | young shoots and leaves36; young plants14; stems and leaves of young shoots19; dried sprout15 |
| Plant height | 6 ft |
| Preparation | 3-5 qian, in serious condition up to 1 liang36; 10-15 qian19 |
| Stem Description | purplish14 |
| Binomial Name | Artemisia vulgaris |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | volatile oil, sesquiterpenen lacton, flavonoids, coumarin derivative, and triterpenes24, artemisin, tannin, resins, essential oil, (variable composition; mainly cineole and thujone), plus adenine, pinene, quebrachitol, tauremisin, sitosterol, tetracosanol, fernenol, alpha-smyrin, stigmasterol, vulgarol, isoquercitrin, rutin, and quinovic acid34 |
| Bloom | Summer-autumn24, August-October34 |
| Bloom Date | June 12, 1998 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24 |
| Catalog Prose | Mugwort Ai-Ye This unusually hardy and vigorous perennial will not disappoint you. Direct seeded in early spring and thinned to two feet, this aromatic Amazon can grow to over six feet tall. The luscious foliage, dark green with a fuzzy silver underside, makes seed in late August. Makes an excellent hedge, screen or large element in the garden. Easily divided fall or spring. A bit invasive, we always have some to give away to a friend who becomes enchanted. After processing, the leaf is used in Chinese medicine as moxa, which is burned over acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the energy of the meridians. As a tea it has been used as a nerve and stomach tonic, diuretic, and to clear coldness. Mugwort has a long and uninterrupted history as a friend and healer to humans. 2-6 feet. Any soil. Full sun. 1999 Artemisia vulgaris mugwort , ai ye This unusually hardy, aromatic, and vigorous perennial native to Eurasia can be direct- seeded after stratification in early spring, thinned to 2 ft. Grows to over 6 ft tall in full sun. Prefers rich, moist soil. Luscious foliage, dark green with a fuzzy silver underside, seeds in late August. A bit invasive . Makes an excellent hedge, screen or large element in garden. Easily divided fall or spring. Harvest leaf in late summer before flowering. Shade dry. Ai ye leaf is used in Chinese medicine as moxa, which is burned over acupuncture points to warm and stimulate the energy of the meridians. As a tea it has been used as a nerve and stomach tonic, diuretic, and to clear coldness |
| Cultivation Notes | easy to cultivate34 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-2426 |
| Direct Sowing Req | surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out40 |
| Disease and Insect Problems | Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]40 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | digestive tonic, milder than other Artemisia, improves appetite, digestion and absorption of nutrients, elimination of worms, increases bile flow, induces menstruation24, treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, colic, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal spasms, indigestion, stimulates bile production12; womens herb- balancing for menstrual and menopausal problems, stimulates and improves memory of dreams (dream pillow ingredient)26, leaves are used externally as poultice on headache, ulcers, sores, abscesses, bruises, sprains, swellings; smoked for asthma; decocted for hemostatic, tonic, stomachic, antiemetic, carminative, antirheumatic, antidiuretic, nervine, and antispasmodic properties. Also used in dysentery and as a vermifuge for ascarids. Drug acts as a uterine sedative for abdominal and labor pains. Most famous use is in preparation of moxa for use to stimulate acupuncture meridians and points34 |
| Genus | Artemisia |
| Germination Light | light preferred26 |
| Habitat | flourishes in open areas and along roads24, herb of brushland, fields, waste places, etc.34 |
| Hardiness | tolerant of cold, does not need winter protection12; MINTEMP= -40to -30F; -40.0to -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | aromatic, Lvs 1-pinnatisect, glab. and dark green above, white and downy beneath, seg. entire, pinnatifid or coarsely dentate24, Fragrant, much-branched, erect, glabrous, leaves ovate in outline, 10 cm. long, white-cotton beneath, green above, 2-pinnately cleft, lobes lanceolate34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | established plants are drought tolerant[200]40 |
| Opt Divide Time | in spring (while still dormant)12; division in spring or autumn, basal cuttings in late spring40 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | gathered in late summer just before flowering24 |
| Opt Planting Time | Spring or Fall26; late winter to early summer40 |
| Parts Used | leaves24,34, roots24 |
| Plant height | six feet tall, 2-6 feet |
| Plant spacing | two feet |
| Processing Req | lvs dried into shade, though dried in sun in China12 |
| Propagation Method | creeping rhizome, prop by dividing rhizomes12, 34; direct seed or transplant26, 34, cuttings34 |
| Range | Europe, Asia and North America, found in temperate regions of northern hemisphere24, naturalized in N America34 |
| Seeds per OZ | 280,00026 |
| Soil Ph | Prefers a lightly acid soil34; neutral to alkaline, tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8.240 |
| Soil Requirements | relatively rich, moist soil12, prefers a moderately rich, well-drained soil34; easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[245]40 |
| Spacing | 12-18”26 |
| Species | vulgaris |
| Stem Description | red or purple, sparsely hairy24 |
| Stratification | cold, moist26 |
| Sun Requirement | grows in wide variety of situations but prefers full sun12; full sun26, 34; preferring a sunny position and a moist soil[1, 14, 200]40 |
| Transplanting Req Est | when large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out in the spring40 |
| Other Propagation Req | harvest the young shoots when about 10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy40 |
| Binomial Name | Asclepias curassavica |
| Ann/Per | Annual Perennial |
| Bloom | summer-later autumn23; almost all year45 |
| Bloom Date | 07/01/99 |
| Catalog Prose | Bloodflower A beautiful milkweed used in Chinese medicine. An easy annual or tender perennial has red flowers with orange hoods and bright yellow centers. This lovely plant produces a typical milkweed pod which hosts Monarch Butterflies and makes them taste awful to the birds! A stunning large ornamental that bloomed all summer. Known as an emetic and vermifuge this plant is has also been used for its fiber and it’s down like floss. To 4 feet. Full sun. Average soil. 1999 Asclepias curassavica bloodflower, matal A beautiful milkweed native to South America, this easy annual or tender perennial has red flowers with orange hoods and bright yellow centers. Produces typical milkweed pod which hosts Monarch Butterflies and makes them taste awful to the birds. A stunning large ornamental that blooms all summer, start indoors and transplant after danger of frost in spring in well-drained sandy loam. Space at 2-3 ft in full sun. Matal will grow to 4 ft but does not transplant well after seedling stage due to its long taproot. Annual in areas with winter temps dipping below 20F, mulching improves longevity. Traditionally , matal was used as an emetic and vermifuge. It has also been used for its fiber and down-like floss. |
| Days to Bloom | 15026 |
| Days to Germinate | 14-21 days26 |
| Direct Sowing Req | indoors recommended26 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Fruit | follicles fusiform, 5-10 x 1-1.5 cm45 |
| Functions/Uses | root extracts used as a emetic and laxative, leaf juice used to kill intesinal parasitic worms and to hasten sweating during fevers, flower juice has been used to stop bleeding, Chinese villages brush dogs with twigs to repel fleas45 |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 65-70F26 |
| Greenhouse Req | sow 10-12wks before last frost, press seeds26 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= +20F to +30F; -6.6to -1.2C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves to 15cm, elliptic-lanceloate, acuminate, opposite23; opposite, petiole to 1 cm, leaf blade lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 6-15 x 1-4 cm, glabrous or abaxially puberulent along veins, base decurrent into petiole, apex acuminate or acute45 |
| Opt Divide Time | cannot divide due to taproot26 |
| Opt Planting Time | after last frost26 |
| Parts Used | root, leaf, flowers45 |
| Plant height | to 4 ft |
| Pollination Req | wind33 |
| Propagation Method | transplant26 |
| Range | pantropical weed23, 45 |
| Root Description | taproot26 |
| Seed Description | ovate, 6-7 x ca. 3 mm, coma 2-4cm45 |
| Seed Storage Req | dry33 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, sandy-loam to poor26 |
| Spacing | 24-36”26 |
| Species | curassavica |
| Stem Description | pale gray, puberulent to glabrous45 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | to pots 3-5 wks after indoor sowing, harden and transplant out after danger of frost, to permanent site outdoors as cannot be moved due to long taproot26 |
| Binomial Name | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | cardenolides and flavonoids, estrogenic24 |
| Bloom | late May lasting to Sept in north12 |
| Bloom Date | June- July; May 27, 1998; 06/12/99 |
| Cautions | Do not take during pregnancy24 |
| Catalog Prose | Pleurisy Root Butterfly Weed With strikingly brilliant orange flowers, this hardy perennial of the milkweed family is often found in poor soils along the roadsides. The plant is more touchy than you would expect. Try and put it where you want it the first time. It doesn’t like being transplanted and will not tolerate over watering while in the seedling stage. It grows larger and more beautiful each year. We have a lovely old stand in the garden with an understory of portulaca, a dazzling sight in the summer. Asclepias is often known as Pleurisy Root. It has been used for lung ailments in many cultures. As a poultice, it is used for bruises, swellings and rheumatism. 1-3 feet. Sandy loam, average garden soil. Full sun. 1999 Asclepias tuberosa pleurisy root, butterfly weed With strikingly brilliant orange flowers, this hardy perennial of the milkweed family is often found in poor soils along the roadsides. Native to the southeastern US, pleurisy root can withstand temperatures to -40F, but it doesn’t like being transplanted and will not tolerate overwatering while in the seedling stage. Direct-seed in fall or stratify for indoor spring planting. Prefers dark for germination, so cover with with soil and plant in area of full sun. Likes sandy, slightly acid soil growing larger and more beautiful each year. Takes 2-3 yrs to flower and reaches 1-3 ft in height. Pinch buds for fuller plant and sustained blooms. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Harvest mature root in fall and dry. 4500 seeds/oz. Pleurisy root has been used for lung ailments in many cultures. As a poultice, it is used for bruises, swellings and rheumatism. Contraindicated for use during pregnancy. |
| Collection Data Other | 1 lb. bought from Applewood Seed Co. Jan. 1996 |
| Cultivation Notes | attracts butterflies26 |
| Days to Bloom | plants grown from seed to 2-3yrs to flower12 |
| Days to Germinate | 6-1426; 2-726 |
| Direct Sowing Req | seed germ readily w/out strat, and can be sown in fall, soon after collection12 |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Functions/Uses | useful for hot, dry conditions of chest, promotes coughing up phlegm, reduces inflammation, reduce fever by stimulating perspiration, root for chronic diarrhea and dysentary24, diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, antispasmodic12; valued by Plains Indians to heal lung ailments and wounds, respiratory expectorant and diaphoretic26 |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Germination Light | dark preferred26; light has no effect33 |
| Germination Temp | seeds germinate well at a temp of 75F, planted at 1/4 “ deep12; 70F33 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -40 TO -30F; -40.0 TO -34.5C23 |
| Leaf Description | Lvs to 11.5cm, narrow-lanceolate, loosely spiraling23 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America |
| Opt Divide Time | spring or fall12 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | root unearthed in spring34, harvest roots in fall12, |
| Opt Planting Time | sown in late autumn to germinate the following spring12; Spring or Fall26 |
| Parts Used | Root24 |
| Plant height | 1-3 feet |
| Propagation Method | root cuttings (each section should have eye), seeds, or by stem cuttings taken before flowering12; direct seed or transplant26 |
| Pruning | pinch flower buds to encourage branching and sustain longer blooming12 |
| Range | New Eng. West to ND South to FL & NM |
| Root Description | tuberous-rooted23 |
| Scarification | none required |
| Seeds per OZ | 4,5000; 640026 |
| Site Preference | moist areas in fields and prairies, hardy perennial along the roadsides |
| Soil Ph | 4.5 to 6.512 |
| Soil Requirements | dry, sandy, well-drained, slightly acid, once established thrives in poor, dry soils, and is drought tolerant12 |
| Spacing | 12”26 |
| Species | tuberosa |
| Stem Description | Erect, hispidulous, woody-based23 |
| Stratification | cold, moist stratification pd of 90days at 41F12; cold, moist26; 3mo. at 40F33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun26 |
| Transplanting Req Est | soon after obtaining 1st two true leaves12 |
| Type | Indigenous |
| Wild\Cultivated | Cultivated |
| Binomial Name | Aster tartaricus |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | arabinose, quercetol, shionone, astersaponin, friedelin, epifriedelinol, lachnophyllol, lachnophyllol acetate, anethole, asterprosapogenin, and hederasapogenin34 |
| Bloom | August - October34 |
| Bloom Date | took 2-3 yrs to bloom (does not bloom 1st year), beautiful long lasting bloom beginning in Sept |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Aster tartaricus tartarian aster, zi wan Dramatic bunches of round, dusty purple blooms atop 6-7 ft tall stems mark falls arrival on this late-blooming perennial. Dotting roadsides of its native northern Asia, zi wan is extremely cold tolerant, requiring neither winter mulching or fertilizing. Start seeds indoors spring and transplant out, spaced at 1 ft, when seedlings have 1st true leaves. Takes 2-3 yrs to bloom and grows extremely well in moist, rich, deeply dug soil and full sun to dappled shade. Bamboo railing provides needed support during harsh downpours. Older plants may need a little more room. Harvest rhizomous roots of mature (3-4 yr) plants after flowers have died back. Reportedly the most commonly used Aster in Chinese medicine, zi wan is used to treat cold symptoms, pulmonary complaints, and fluid retention. May be somewhat sedative. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Functions/Uses | rhizome used in decoction as a demulcent for pulmonary ailments. Also considered antitussive and expectorant, used in colds, coughs, dysuria, hemoptysis, hematuria, and hemorrhage. Diuretic, purgative, and slightly sedative properties are also reported. This is the most commonly used aster in Chinese medicine34 |
| Genus | Aster |
| Habitat | occurs in wet fields and roadsides34 |
| Leaf Description | herbaceous, lvs spatulate oblong, 20-23 cm. long, 6-10 cm. wide, tapering to a narrowly winged petiole, progressively smaller toward top of plant, coarsely toothed, minutely bristled34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Origin | We-du 89 |
| Parts Used | root34 |
| Plant height | at least 6 ft tall0 |
| Plant spacing | space at 1 ft |
| Propagation Method | by seeds, stem cuttings, root cuttings, or division of offshoots from root crown.34 |
| Range | Japan, Korea, Manchuria, N. China, Siberia, Mongolia |
| Root Description | rhizome34 |
| Soil Requirements | Likes a moderately rich, moist soil34 |
| Species | tatricus |
| Stem Description | branched in upper part34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or dappled shade34 |
| Type | Chinese |
| Binomial Name | Astragalus adsurgens |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | Aminobutryic acid34 |
| Bloom | July-August34 |
| Catalog Prose | Astragalus adsurgens Chinese milk vetch, sha yuan zi Teardrop flowers of greyish-blue greet the summer heat from this perennial of the bean family. Native to NE Asia, sha yuan zi prefers full sun and well -drained, poor soil. Like most beans, it likes overnight soak in warm water and inoculation for improved germination. Direct seed in spring and thin to 2 ft center. Does not like to be transplanted. Will grow to 30cm. Harvest root in fall of 3rd year and sun dry. Use of sha yuan zi root is reported in NE provinces of China as a local herb similar in properties to the more powerful Astragalus membranaceus from western China. Both are tonifying immune stimulants. |
| Cultivation Notes | many Astragalus species are michorrhizal plants dependent upon a semi-parasitic organism, making many species difficult to cultivate34 |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Fruit | 2-locular legume, abruptly beaked, loosely white and black pubescent (appressed)34 |
| Habitat | gravelly slopes34 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= -10 TO 0 F; -23.3 TO -17.8 C23 |
| Leaf Description | pubescent, leaves to 17cm; lflts to 30cm, oblong to elliptic23; leaves 5-17 cm. long, alternate, odd-pinnate, leaflets 18-24, lanceolate; stipules conate on inner margin34 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Moisture Req | adequate moisture34 |
| Parts Used | root34 |
| Propagation Method | seeds34 |
| Stem Description | erect glabrous-stems arising from procumbent base to 30 cm. long34 |
| Stratification | soak seeds in warm water overnight34 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun34 |
| Transplanting Req Est | does not like to be transplanted34 |
| Binomial Name | Baptisia australis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Bloom | lte spring to early summer26; April to June28 |
| Bloom Date | 05/10/99 to 05/30/99 |
| Cautions | potentially toxic28 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Baptisia australis blue false indigo As spring turns to summer, tall indigo spires reaching 5 ft tall with bouquets 6ft wide crowd above branches of clover leaves. Naturally ranging from central eastern US through the midwest, this perennial hugs the forest margins making it ideal for either full sun or partial shade. Although established guidelines recommend seed scarification, new findings suggest this may lead to lower germ due to increased seed rot. Best to plant either fresh or dry stored seed at 70F in cells in early spring or late fall. Like all legumes, overnight soak in inoculent prior to planting and planting at 1/4” depth aids in germination. Wait 1-3 wks and space at 2-3ft after second set of true leaves appear. Benefited from drop in temperature following germination. Likes sandy loam and neutral to acidic wasteland soil, taking up to 2 or more yrs to bloom. Plant continues to widen with age, may become necessary to thin further or shape into a hedge. Reminiscent of lupines in the west, or Texan mountain laurel with its rattling seedpods, blue false indigo is hardy throughout most of the US (needing winters ranging from -30F to 10F), is drought resistant, undisturbed by pests and needs little care. Possibly invasive, but slow growth makes contol easy. Although potentially toxic, Native Americans used root of blue false indigo in tea as a purgative and externally to treat toothache. Do not use unless under physicians care! Toxic! |
| Cultivation Notes | low-mainenance, drought resistant26 |
| Days to Bloom | 365, plants may not flower for 2 or more seasons26 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-1826; germed at 70F using either dry seed stored for 6m at 70 or 40 or fresh seed in 1-10wks33 |
| Direct Sowing Req | 1/4” deep |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Functions/Uses | American Indians used the root tea as an emetic and purgative; cold tea given to stop vomiting, root poulticed as an anti-inflammatory, held in mouth to treat toothaches, potential stimulant to immune system28 |
| Genus | Baptisia |
| Germination Medium | sterile, soilless26 |
| Germination Temp | 70F26, 33 |
| Greenhouse Req | 10-12 wks before last frost directly in seed packs or pots, cover seed with medium26 |
| Habitat | open woods, forest margins28 |
| Leaf Description | smooth, lvs thrice divided, cloverlike, lfts obovate (wider at tips)28 |
| Medicinal Origin | North America28 |
| Opt Planting Time | early spring, late autumn26 |
| Parts Used | root28 |
| Propagation Method | direct seed or transplant26 |
| Range | Pa to Ga, TX to OK, NE to s IN28 |
| Scarification | nick and presoak for 24 hrs26; grinding notch did not sig. inc. germ rate and caused sever rotting which lowered % germ33 |
| Seed Description | black pods, ornamental26 |
| Seedling Care | once germ, grow at 50-58F to encourage root development26 |
| Seeds per OZ | 170026 |
| Soil Ph | neutral to acid26 |
| Soil Requirements | well-drained, but not overly fertile26 |
| Spacing | 18-24”26 |
| Species | australis |
| Stratification | sowing seeds at 40F gave same results as 70F33 |
| Sun Requirement | full sun or partial shade26 |
| Binomial Name | Belamcanda chinensis |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | belamcandin, iridin, flavonoids: tectoridin, tectorigenin10 |
| Bloom | June to July10 |
| Bloom Date | July of the 2nd yr; week of June 17, 1998 |
| Cautions | Do not use during pregnancy, potentially poisonous, contains potentially toxic iridoid components, such as belamcandin and iridin, use only under medical supervision10 |
| Catalog Prose | Blackberry Lily She-Gan Really an iris, not a lily, this short-lived hardy perennial has exotic orange flowers with red or purple spots that bloom in July of the second year. We start seeds in a little box, water and wait for them to get two nice-sized leaves before putting them out. Transplant into groups or rows ten inches apart. Tubers move easily. Shiny black seeds follow in September. Warning! Root is potentially toxic. Belamcanda is used to treat deep coughs when accompanied by hoarseness, for clearing phlegm, sore throats, bronchitis or wheezing. As a poultice it can be applied to twisted ankles, contusions and some kinds of dermatitis. 2-3 feet. Well-drained soil. Full sun. 1999 blackberry lily, she gan Really an iris, this short-lived hardy perennial native to Central Asia has exotic, trumpet-shaped orange flowers with red or purple spots that bloom in July of the second year. Start seeds indoors, water and wait until two true leaves appear before putting them out. Transplant into groups or rows 10” apart in well-drained soil and full sun. Like other irises, tuber bulbs move easily. Shiny black seeds follow in September. Mulch in winters with temps below 10F. For root production, pinch back flowers when budding and harvest in fall. Slice and sun dry. She gan is traditionally used to treat deep coughs when accompanied by hoarseness, for clearing phlegm, sore throats, bronchitis or wheezing. As a poultice it can be applied to twisted ankles, contusions and some kinds of dermatitis. Root is potentially toxic and should not be used during pregnancy or without supervision. |
| Cultivation Notes | once dug, roots divided into 3-5 sections with 1-2 buds or eyes, ends of cut section are dried before planting to avoid fungal infections, easy to grow10 |
| Days to Germinate | 10 days (rhizome division)10 |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Fruit | capsules10 |
| Functions/Uses | used for swelling pain in throat, coughs with asthma, wheezing, chronic bronchitis, mumps, coughs with lots of phlegm, irregular menstrual cycle, swollen breasts, external for boils, contusion, rheumatism, goiters, lower blood pressure yet increases strength and frequency of pulse, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, for dermatitis.10 Nature: bitter, cold. Affinity: lungs, liver. Effects: antipyretic, antidote, expectorant; antiphlogistic to upper respiratory tract. Indications: upper respiratory inflammations, excess phlegm, sputum due to asthma or bronchitis, coughs19 |
| Genus | Belamcanda |
| Habitat | sandy loam, hillsides16, roadsides, thickets, open woods, common cultivar10 |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +10 TO +20 F; -12.2 TO -6.7 C23 |
| Leaf Description | 20x1.5cm23, sword-shaped 2-ranked producing fan shape10 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Opt Divide Time | Mar or Apr10 |
| Opt Harvest Time | Early Spring or Late Autumn16 |
| Opt Harvest Time root | May-Sept, usually in autumn10 |
| Parts Used | dried rhizomes and stems19 |
| Plant height | 2-3 feet |
| Plant spacing | transplant into groups or rows 10” apart |
| Processing Req | washed, dried, stems and leaves removed before drying, roots placed in sun until 1/2 dry, then placed between two screens and heated over a small fire, and turned often until root hairs and lateral rootlets burned off, root cut into slices, soaked in water, covered with wet cloth, and cut into pieces, after slicing roots dry in sun10 |
| Propagation Method | dividing rhizome, 3-4” deep, tamp soil, water; easily grown from seed10 |
| Pruning | flowering stems pinched back in Jul or Aug to prevent flowering, returning more energy to root10 |
| Range | China, Japan, Indonesia, N India, eastern Russia (Ussuri region), now nat. E and S US, and throughout Asia10 |
| Root Description | rhizome: slender, stoloniferous23 |
| Scarification | none |
| Seed Description | fleshy, shiny black seeds tightly clustered10 |
| Site Preference | full sun |
| Soil Requirements | not particular about soil, prefers poor, dry, well-drained soil with organic matter10 |
| Spacing | 8-12 inches10 |
| Species | chinensis |
| Stem Description | none |
| Stratification | none |
| Sun Requirement | full sun |
| Type | Chinese |
| US Govt Restrictions | none |
| Binomial Name | Bupleurum chinense |
| Active constituents | fatty oils, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, saponins, saikosaponins a, b, c, d, and saikogenins E, F, G, sterols: 7-stigmastenol, 22-stigmastenol, sugar: adonitol15 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | enters channels of the pericardium, liver, triple warmer, and gallbladder meridians, revolves surface, disperses heat, dissolves liver congestion, disperses stagnancy, raises yang ch’i, antipyretic effect, relieves fever induced by TTG, anti-hepatosis effect induced by typhoid vaccines, alcohol or organic phosphates, tranquilizing and analgesic effects, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect- inhibitory for proliferation of influenza virus, antiphlogistic effects- crude saponin given orally shows an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits dextran and granuloma-induced edema by the granuloma pouch method, however has no effective protection against histamine shock and anaphylactic shock15 |
| Germination Temp | 60 |
| Leaf Description | simple, entire23 |
| Light Req | Bright |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Moisture Req | Normal |
| Origin | Beijing IMPLAD |
| Parts Used | dried root15 |
| Pharmaceutical Name | Bupleuri Radix |
| Preparation | generally 6-18g; for hepatic melancholy, irritation, and pain, 6-9g; for fever and hypohidrosis 15-18g15 |
| Requirements | No Cold TX needed |
| Seed Treatment | No Cold Treatment Needed |
| Binomial Name | Bupleurum scorzonerifolium |
| Active constituents | fatty oils, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, saponins, saikosaponins a, b, c, d, and saikogenins E, F, G, sterols: 7-stigmastenol, 22-stigmastenol, sugar: adonitol15 |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Functions/Uses | enters channels of teh pericardium, liver, triple warmer, and gallbladder meridians, revolves surface, disperses heat, dissolves liver congestion, disperses stagnancy, raises yang ch’i, antipyretic effect, relieves fever induced by TTG, anti-hepatosis effect induced by typhoid vaccines, alcohol or organic phosphates, tranquilizing and analgesic effects, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect- inhibitory for proliferation of influenza virus, antiphlogistic effects- crude saponin given orally shows an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits dextran and granuloma-induced edema by the granuloma pouch method, however has no effective protection against hisatmine shock and anaphylactic shock15 |
| Medicinal Origin | China15 |
| Parts Used | dried root15 |
| Preparation | generally 6-18g; for hepatic melancholy, irritation, and pain, 6-9g; for fever and hypohidrosis 15-18g15 |
| Binomial Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Active constituents | salicylic acid, resin, saponin, an essential oil with carotene, calenduline and lycopine, pentacylic alcohols including farado, brein, arnidiol, and caldenduladiol, rutin, quercitin, adn isorhamnetin, tocopherols, mucilage, chlorogenic acid12; triterpenes, resins, bitter glycosides, volatile oil, sterols, flavonoids, muclage, carotones24 |
| Bloom | entire season18; June-Oct37; 6wks after planting until snow12 |
| Cautions | without toxic side effects12 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Calendula officinalis pot marigold, calendula Bright orange to yellow globes bloom throughout the season on this self-seeding annual native to southern Europe. Direct sow in early spring, grows easily from seed in moderately rich, neutral soil in full sun to partial shade. Southern growers should find a shady place for planting. Wait 10-15 days for germination and thin to 1 ft when first set of true leaves appear, then sow more seed. Easy greenhouse start. Flowers appear in 6 wks and bloom til winters frost. Reseeds itself and will need thinning in later years. Gather ray flowers in the morning when blooming. Several harvestings can be made in a single season. Shade dry. Use as lotion, tincture, salve, tea, oil, infusion, or on top of a springtime salad. Not only does calendula have a long history as a garden ornamental cultivar, it’s medicinal use has been documented for hundreds of years. Traditional therapeutic uses include salve for bruises, sprains, burns, wounds, abscesses, boils, and scar prevention. Internal use for fever, ulcer, cell regeneration, to alleviate nausea, and as folk cancer remedy. Called “poor man’s saffron” for yellow hue the petals lend to grains when cooking. |
| Cultivation Notes | make 2-3 successive sowing 2-3 wks apart for continous blooms from summer to heavy frost26 |
| Days to Germinate | 10-14days12 |
| Direct Sowing Req | sow seed directly on ground12 |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achenes mostly boat shaped, muricate18 |
| Functions/Uses | antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary, infusion of fls for gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis, and diarrhea, taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, prevent recurrent vomitting, fresh juec of erb or fls. For ext use, slave for wounds from dried lvs or fls, for bruises, sprins, pulled muscles, sores, boils, ride warts, internally for gastritis and menstrual difficulties37; adds saline flavor and delicate yellow hue to food, coloring for rice and other grains, soups, choders, fresh flower petals in salads, te promots sweating, useful in treatin ulcers, home remedy for jaundice, lotion, tincture, ointment, sprains, bruises, cuts, minor infections, burns, promots reconstruction of tissue, reduce swelling and discharge, lessens scarring from burns, absceses, or abrasions, help regeneration of cells, immun system stimulant, fls for folk cancer remedy, water extracts shown to inhibit certain cancer forms12; anti-inflammatory, relieves muscle spasms, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging, heals wounds, antiseptic, detoxifying, mildy estrogenic24 |
| Greenhouse Req | easy to culture in greenhouse18 |
| Habitat | cultivar23 |
| Hardiness | mintemp= -10 to 0F and -23.3 to -17.8C23 |
| Indication for Harvest | flowering12 |
| Leaf Description | lvs to 17x6cm, oblanceolate to spathulate, glandular-pubescent, to sparsely woolly, sometimes toothed and wavy23; lvs oblong to oblong-obovate, entire to remotely toothed, more of less clasping18; alternate, sessile, spatulate or oblanceolate, dentate with widely spaced teeth, and hairy37 |
| Medicinal Origin | Europe12 |
| Opt Harvest Time herb | when flowering12; as the flowers open in early summer24 |
| Opt Planting Time | as soon as can be worked in spring12 |
| Parts Used | leaves, flowers37; ray florets12 |
| Planting Rate per 100ft | 4-300ft rows with 4oz. seed12 |
| Preparation | Infusion: Use 1-2tsp fresh or dried fls with 1/2 c. water, steep for 5-10 min and strain, take 1 tbsp every hr. JuiceL take 1 tsp at a time , always freshly pressed, tincture: soak handful of fls in 1/2 qt. rectified alcohol or whiskey for 5-6wks, dose at 5-20 drops. Salve: boil 1oz dried fls or leaves, or 1 tsp fresh juice with 1 oz. lard37 |
| Processing Req | dry in shade24 |
| Propagation Method | seeds18; easy from seed24 |
| Range | escapes in gardens of California18 |
| Seed Description | curved and taper to a point at one end12 |
| Seeds per OZ | 350026 |
| Soil Ph | 5-812 |
| Soil Requirements | rich26; moderately rich, well-drained12; any soil24 |
| Spacing | 1ft12 |
| Stem Description | coarse, multibranched18; angular, branched, hairy37 |
| Sun Requirement | tolerate full sun or partial shade, in south plant in partial shade12 |
| Binomial Name | Carpesium abrotanoides |
| Ann/Per | Perennial |
| Active constituents | carpesialactone, carabrone15 |
| Bloom | fall39 |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Carpesium abrotanoides nan ho shih, t’ien ming ching Growing wild in thickets and along forest edges in China, this compact perennial to 3ft shows small blooms of yellow in fall. Leaves wilt soon after bloom. Sow seeds indoors in early spring and plant out after danger of frost in well-drained, sandy loam to rich humus soil, space at 10” under shade to partial shade. Temperature is a factor in this cold-hardy species, may need extra care during extended heat of summer. Weed back volunteers. Harvest plant before flowering and collect seed in fall. In China, “barefoot doctors” utilize familiar plants of their region, sometimes substituting local herbs for those of more repute. Nan ho shih is the drug name that may be applied to several different species of plant- some not even in the same genus! The seed of Carpesium abrotanoides can be used in the same way as both Daucus carota, wild carrot, and Torilis japonica, another member of the carrot family, as a vermifuge. The aerial parts of C. abrotanoides have traditionally been used to clear fever, loosen mucus, and treat bronchitis and tonsilitis. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Fruit | achene- upper part secreting sticky fluid that adheres to clothing39 |
| Functions/Uses | vermifuge, antihelminthic, antispasmodic, dilation of blood vessels15; kills parasites, kills dog tapeworms, treat hookworms36; warm-natured, slightly bitter to taste, loosens up mucus, clears fever and detoxifies, reduces inflammation and promotes diuresis, used for tonsilitis, bronchitis, boils and ulcers, snakebite, seeds called pei he shih used for vermifuge, for round worms, tapeworms and pin worms39 |
| Habitat | virgin wilds, grassy thickets along forest edges and roadsides39 |
| Leaf Description | basal lvs broadly ovate, wilting after flowers have bloomed, lvs alternate, broadly oval or long oval, apexes acute, bases cuneate, margins intact or slightly irregular-serrate, lvs in lower part having short petioles, lvs in upper part non-petioled39 |
| Medicinal Origin | China |
| Parts Used | fruit36; whole plant, seeds39 |
| Plant height | 2ft |
| Plant spacing | 10” |
| Preparation | whole plant in decoction, 1-2 liang at a time39 |
| Stem Description | long, thorny, narrow15; erect, multibranching upper section, covered by fine hairs39 |
| Binomial Name | Celosia argentea |
| Ann/Per | Annual |
| Catalog Prose | 1999 Celosia argentea woolflower, qing xiang zi An annual, native to southeast Asia, woolflower softly shimmers silvery-white in late summer with spikes up to 3 ft. Direct seed, 1/8” deep, as soon as soil is warm in average to rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Thin to 1 ft or transplant when seedlings are 3-4” tall. Keep well watered. Harvest flower when in bloom. Sun dry. All parts of woolflower are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Seeds are used to treat liver inflammation, reduce fever, and combat conjunctivitis. Recent research suggests effectiveness at lowering blood pressure. |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Functions/Uses | aphrodisiac and to treat cancer, dysentery, excessive discharge of blood, leaf stalks for sores14; nature is bitter and slightly cold, affinity with the liver, antipyretic and antiphlogistic to liver, astringent in conjunctivitis, indications- high blood pressure and all attendant eye problems, recent, effective new application mixed with Chrysanthemum and Prunella vulgaris for high blood pressure19 |
| Genus | Celosia |
| Hardiness | MINTEMP= +20 TO +30 F; -6.6 TO -1.2 C23 |
| Leaf Description | leaves 2-15cm, linear-lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate23 |
| Medicinal Origin | China14 |
| Parts Used |