Practical
Plants

Codonopsis nervosa

a perennial member of the Codonopsis genus in the family Campanulaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Fertility
Bees, Wasps
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Wasps

Uses

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.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine and are said to have a sweet and astringent taste with a cooling potency[4]. They are analgesic and anti-inflammatory, being used in the treatment of pain and swollen joints due to arthritis/gout, stiffening of ureters and paralysis due to cerebral ischaemia[4].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Antiinflammatory

Environment

Range
E. Asia.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20°c[2]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established[K]. Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[3]. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring[K].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to be hardy at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[1][3]. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[3]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[2]. The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its permanent position as soon as possible[2]. Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[K]. It is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers[1].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Tsarong. Tsewang. J. Tibetan Medicinal Plants Tibetan Medical Publications, India 1994-00-00 ISBN 81-900489-0-2

    ↩1↩2

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