Adenophora verticillata

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

Adenophora verticillata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Broad-leaved forests and shrubby formations.

E. Asia - Korea, Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw or cooked. A sweet taste. Leaves - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

This is a commonly used medicinal plant in China. The root is antidote, antifungal, cardiotonic, expectorant, febrifuge, expectorant, sialogogue, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of women's diseases, chronic bronchitis with dry cough, pulmonary infections with cough and thick yellow sputum, dry throat.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Grows well in the semi-shade of shrubs or in light woodland. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring - very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance..

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. tetraphylla. (Thunb.)Fisch.