Tian Kui
Semiaquilegia adoxoides

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Semiaquilegia adoxoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May. 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): 0.3

Where it is found

Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Damp and shady waste places in China. Forests and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 1100 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is specifically recommended in the treatment of dry scabby skin and urinary disorders. The tubers are depurative, diuretic and febrifuge.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

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

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sunny position. Intolerant of heavy clay. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It can be slow to germinate. Stored seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

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

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

Aquilegia adoxoides. (DC.)Ohwi.