Japanese belladonna
Scopolia japonica
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
Scopolia japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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): 0.6
Where it is found
Mountain woods of central and southern Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Anodyne, antispasmodic, antitussive and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of manic depression, spasms, stomach aches, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. The rot has sedative properties and is used in Korea in the treatment of pleurisy.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light, fertile, well-drained dry soil in a shady position. Very close to, and possibly no more than a part of, S. carniolica.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
A highly toxic plant.