Cruel Plant
Cynanchum ascyrifolium
Family: Asclepiadaceae
What it is like
Cynanchum ascyrifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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): 0.7
Where it is found
Sunny meadows in the mountains of central Honshu, Japan, at elevations of 800 - 1800 metres. Thickets in hills and mountains in Korea.
E. Asia - northern China, Japan and Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is diuretic and febrifuge.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
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, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. It probably does not have any special cultivation requirements and will probably succeed in most soils in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
There are some reports of toxins in this genus.