Boehmeria longispica

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

Boehmeria longispica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 1.2

Where it is found

Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Thickets, edges of forests, along streams in hills and mountains at elevations of 300 - 600 metres in N. and SE. China, 1000 - 1300 metres in SW. China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Roots - cooked. Leaves - cooked.

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

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as a medicine for treating fevers and relieve internal fever.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating: 1

A fibre obtained from the stems is used to make ropes and cloth.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is a sub-shrub, dying back to a woody rootstock in cold winters. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a warm sandy soil that is very well-drained. We are not sure if this species is dioecious or monoecious.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse, only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. spicata. (Thunb.)Thunb. Urtica japonica. U. spicata.