Japanese Hawkweed, Oriental false hawksbeard
Youngia japonica

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Youngia japonica is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Waste ground, cultivated fields and roadsides all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves and young plant - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is antitussive and febrifuge. It is also used in the treatment of boils and snakebites.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. We do not know the plants cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in middle to late spring in situ. If you only have a small quantity of seed then it will probably be better to sow it in a cold frame in April and plant out in late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Y. thunbergiana. Crepis japonica. Prenanthes japonica. P. multiflora.