Asarum blumei
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Genus
- Asarum
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.15 m
- Fertility
- Flies
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Flies
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[8][5]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
A decoction of the root is analgesic, antitussive, carminative, expectorant and antitussive[3][4][7]. It is used in the treatment of sore throats[4].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Carminative
- Product or use
- Expectorant
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Japan
- Habitat
- Damp shady spots on mountain sides[3].
- Light
- partial sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[2]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[2]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[6]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.
Cultivation
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[1][6]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[6]. The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies[6]. Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[6].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5