Gnaphalium japonicum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Gnaphalium japonicum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Sunny places in lowland and mountains, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is expectorant.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Useful as an edging plant, especially on poor soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist