Ligularia hodgsonii
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Ligularia hodgsonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. 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): 0.7
Where it is found
Mountains in C. and N. Japan. Stream banks, grassy slopes and forest margins at elevations of 900 - 2800 metres in China.
E. Asia - China, Japan and Russia
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and stems - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is antitussive, diuretic and expectorant. The plant has shown anticancer activity and is a folk cure for cancer.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. Plants are growing very well at Kew.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist