Bei Sha Shen, American silvertop
Glehnia littoralis

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Glehnia littoralis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Sandy banks by the sea, all around Japan.

E. Asia - Japan. N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and stems. Young buds. They are dug out from the sand. Roots. Used as a condiment, resembling tarragon and angelica.

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

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, diaphoretic and expectorant.It is used in the treatment of coughs in China. It is used in Korea in the treatment of migraine headaches.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors in many areas of the country. The plant is likely to require a light, well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species, but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the early spring. If fresh seed can be obtained, then it would be a good idea to sow some of it immediately in a greenhouse in case, like several other species in this family, it has a short viability. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the early summer. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold during their first winter.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Phellopterus littoralis. Benth.