Practical
Plants

Codonopsis ussuriensis

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.25 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

Root - raw or cooked[7][9][2]. Plants produce a stout, globose tuber[6]. The ones we grew were quite thin, but they have a reasonable flavour with a slight sweetness[K].

Plant part
Root

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Habitat
Woods in lowland and mountain areas[8], especially on sandy soils[10]. In more or less wet, sunny meadows at low elevations in Japan[6].
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

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[3]. 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[5]. 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

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[1][5]. Only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[5]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[3]l. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[4]. 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]. This plant is considered to be a part of C. lanceolata by many botanists[5]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent position as soon as possible[3]. 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

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  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Flora of Japan www.foj.info

    ↩1↩2

  7. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

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  8. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

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  9. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  10. Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968-00-00

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