Sha shen
Adenophora stricta

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 80 cm tall. The leaves are oval and 3-11 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are blue or purple.

There are about 40 Adenophora species. They are temperate plants. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in eastern China. It grows best in a light rich slightly alkaline soil. It needs a sunny position. It does not like having its roots disturbed. It grows below 3,300 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea

How it is used for food

The root is eaten cooked after boiling in two changes of water. It is cooked with meat. The leaves are eaten cooked or raw.

Edible parts

Root, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seeds germinate in 1-3 months at 10°C. They can be transplanted or sown direct. Plants can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Apudada, Pao shen

Synonyms

Adenophora confusa (Nannf.);