Heteropappus hispidus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Heteropappus hispidus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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. 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): 0.3
Where it is found
In open fields and grasslands in lowland areas of C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan, Formosa and Manchuria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Thrives in a rich fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist