Pei Lan
Eupatorium japonicum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Eupatorium japonicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 2

Where it is found

Moist grassland along river banks.

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. Boiled and well seasoned. Root - cooked. It is sometimes eaten for food and is considered beneficial to the circulation.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The leaves and stems are anodyne, antibacterial, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine and vermifuge. They are taken internally in the treatment of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, feverish colds etc. In excess the plant causes irritation to the stomach. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use. The plant contains the essential oil thymol. In large doses this can cause various health problems such as headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, inhibition of respiration and the circulation. Use with caution. The seed is prescribed in China for the '36 diseases of women'. The root is considered to be beneficial to the circulation and a restorative to women after parturition. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The herbage, soaked in oil, is applied to the hair as a treatment for dandruff.

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

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antidandruff: Treats dandruff.

Antiviral: Treats virus diseases

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade. A very polymorphic species, it is closely related to E. cannabinum. This species is a member of natural moist grassland flora on river banks in the Kanto District of Japan. Due to urbanization of this area, the habitat is now restricted to a very small area, and the species is endangered. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

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. japonicum. Thunb.