Patrinia villosa
Family: Valerianaceae
What it is like
Patrinia villosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in August. 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
Where it is found
Sunny hills and low elevations in mountains all over Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves and flower buds - cooked and used as a vegetable.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hepatic. It is used in the treatment of carbuncles, acute appendicitis, intestinal abscess, postpartum pain, dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis. It stimulates the circulation, treats abscesses, promotes regeneration of liver cells. Large doses can cause a decrease of white blood cells, nausea and dizziness.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in any light rich soil. Thrives in any moderately retentive fertile soil in sun or part shade. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Grows well in the woodland garden.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in April. If you only have a small quantity of seed it is probably better to sow it in a pot in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring or autumn.
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