Eupatorium chinense
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Eupatorium chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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): 1.8
Where it is found
Mountains all over Japan. Open and deforested areas at elevations of 2000 - 2600 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The young leaves are used as a flavouring.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are anodyne, carminative, diuretic, nervine and vermifuge. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds, diphtheria and rheumatoid arthritis. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use. The seed is prescribed in China for the '36 diseases of women'. The root is considered to be beneficial to the circulation and a restorative to women after parturition. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The milky latex is applied to treat goitre.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating:
The powdered plant is used in Nepal to prepare marcha, a fermenting cake from which liquor is distilled.
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A polymorphic species.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist