Polygonatum humile
Family: Convallariaceae
What it is like
Polygonatum humile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Meadows and thin woods in lowland, C. and N. Japan. Forests and grassy slopes at elevations from 800 - 2200 metres.
E. Asia - N. China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked. Rich in starch.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The roots are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue and tonic.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions. This species is hardy to about -20°c. Closely related to P. hirtum. Closely allied to P. odoratum. Plants are often mistakenly grown as P. falcatum. The rhizomes are slender and creeping, the plant forming spreading colonies. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Young shoots are very attractive to slugs. Hybridizes with other members of this genus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position 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 March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.