Dendranthema lavandulifolium

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Dendranthema lavandulifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Mountain slopes, rocks, river valleys, river banks, wastelands and hilly lands at elvations of 600--2800 metres.

E. Asia - Northern China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The following uses are for the closely related D. indica. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The flower heads are pickled in vinegar. Young leaves - cooked. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves. Seed. No more details are given but it is very small and would be rather fiddly to use.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The flowers are hypotensive and vasodilator. They have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, streptococcus, C. diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae. The flowers are used in the treatment of furuncle, scrofula, deep-rooted boils, inflammation of the throat, eyes and cervix, eczema, itchiness of the skin and hypertension.

Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.

Other

Rating:

The following uses are for the closely related D. indicum. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The seed contains about 16% of a semi-drying oil, but no information is given as to its uses. The seed is rather small, commercial extraction is probably not viable.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position. This species is closely related to D. indicum. When bruised, the foliage has a pungent refreshing fragrance that is somewhat lemon-like and reminiscent of chamomile.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring to early summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. It usually germinates in 10 - 18 days at 15°c but if it does not germinate within 4 weeks then try chilling the seed for 3 weeks in the salad compartment of a fridge. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Chrysanthemum indicum boreale. C. boreale.