Scrophularia ningpoensis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

Scrophularia ningpoensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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

Where it is found

Gullies, thickets and wet waste places along the edges of rivers and streams. Bamboo forests, along streams, thickets, tall grasses; below 1500 metres.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

This species has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. The root is antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antiphlogistic, cardiac, diuretic, febrifuge, haemolytic, hypoglycaemic, restorative, sialogogue, tonic and vasodilator. Small doses act as a heart tonic, whilst large doses depress cardiac function. The root is used internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses with symptoms such as rashes, delirium and insomnia, dry cough, throat infections, abscesses and carbuncles. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.

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

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Haemolytic: Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.

Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

Restorative: Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.

Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in most moist to wet soils in full sun or partial shade. This species is hardy to at least -15°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

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

S. oldhami. Oliv.