Practical
Plants

Codonopsis tubulosa

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

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Woodiness
woody
Height
1.5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

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.

This species is an important herb in Chinese medicine, the root is widely used as a substitute for ginseng[5]. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic[5]. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, lowering the blood pressure and stimulating the immune system[5]. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness[5]. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous as a tonic food[5]. The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[5].

Product or use
Adaptogen
Product or use
Aphrodisiac
Product or use
Tonic

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Southwest China.
Habitat
Alpine brush and rocky slopes[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
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.

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[1][3]. It only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[3]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[2]. Quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. An important herb in Chinese medicine, it is widely cultivated there and is used as a ginseng substitute[5]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[4]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their 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].

References

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

    ↩

  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

  4. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩

  5. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

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