Polygonum molle

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Polygonum molle is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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): 2.5

Where it is found

Forest, scrub and damp ground, often gregarious, 900 - 4250 metres. Slopes, forests, grassy places and thickets in valleys at elevations of 1300 - 3500 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young shoots - raw or cooked as a vegetable. Pleasantly acid, they are used like rhubarb. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant is astringent.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Other

Rating:

Plants are very fast growing and are used to reclothe and stabilize land slips. They are best spaced about 1.2 metres apart each way.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. A very fast growing plant. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, 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; Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aconogonum molle. (D.Don.)Hara. Persicaria mollis. (D.Don.)Gross.