Huang Jing
Polygonatum sibiricum
Family: Convallariaceae
What it is like
Polygonatum sibiricum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Woods and sandy places near the sea. Forests, thickets and shaded slopes at elevations of 800 - 2800 metres in China.
E. Asia - N. China, Mongolia and Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked. Rich in starch.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, demulcent, lenitive, tonic and vasodilator. Its use lowers the blood pressure and prevents atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration in the liver. It is used in the treatment of dry coughs due to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, fatigue and poor appetite.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Lenitive: Soothing, palliative.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The plant has insecticidal properties.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions. This species is closely related to P. verticillatum. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs. Plants adopt a semi-climbing habit, scrambling through small shrubs. Hybridizes with other species in this genus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus have poisonous fruits and seeds.