Ji Gu Chai
Elsholtzia fruticosa

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Elsholtzia fruticosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Grasslands, open hills, valleys; 1200-3200 m. Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan.

E. Asia - China, Nepal.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Oil: Oil

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

One report says that the plant is used medicinally, but gives no more information. The juice of the roots is used to relieve headaches.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

The highly aromatic foliage is used in pot-pourri. The powdered plant is used for incense.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?

How it is grown

Grows well on woodland margins. This species is a sub-shrub, the woody stems often dying back to the base in severe winters.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on 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 spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

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

E. polystachya.