Aspidistra, Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior

Family: Convallariaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Brown, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late winter. Form: Rounded.

Aspidistra elatior is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Slugs, snails. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

An understory plant, found growing in forests beneath Ardisia crenata and Castanopsis sieboldii.

E. Asia - Japan - Kuroshima, Suwanose, and Uji Islands.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The roots, stems and leaves are febrifuge, styptic and tonic. Strengthens bones and muscles. A decoction of the root, stems or leaves is used in the treatment of abdominal cramps, amenorrhoea, diarrhoea, myalgia, traumatic injuries and urinary stones.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating: 3

Aspidistras can be grown as a ground cover in a shady position.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Specimen, Woodland garden. Prefers a shady position in a rich well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soils and drought. Almost hardy in Britain, plants can withstand temperatures down to about -15°c if they are well sited. A plant growing under shrubs in Worcestershire has survived in the garden for over 30 years. This plant used to be commonly grown as a house plant, it tolerates considerable neglect. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in the greenhouse. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring. Suckers. Best removed in the autumn and grown on in the greenhouse for the first winter.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-11

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. lurida. A. punctata.