Ligularia japonica

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Ligularia japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Mountains in C. and S. Japan. Stream banks, grassland slopes and forest understories at elevations of 600 - 2300 metres in China.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. Leaf stalks - cooked.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. There is possibly some confusion in the reports on this species with Farfugium japonicum.

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;

Habit: Perennial

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

Arnica japonica. Senecio japonicus. (Thunb.)Schultz-Bip.