Glehnia littoralis
Bei Sha Shen
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Umbelliferae
- Genus
- Glehnia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
Leaves and stems[1][2][3][5]. Young buds[3]. They are dug out from the sand[3]. Roots[1][2][5]. Used as a condiment, resembling tarragon and angelica[7].
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Root
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.
The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, diaphoretic and expectorant[3][4][6]. It is used in Korea in the treatment of migraine headaches[6].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antibacterial
- Product or use
- Antipyretic
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Expectorant
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan. N. America.
- Habitat
- Sandy banks by the sea, all around Japan[8].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
- Salinity
- tolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species, but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the early spring. If fresh seed can be obtained, then it would be a good idea to sow some of it immediately in a greenhouse in case, like several other species in this family, it has a short viability. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the early summer. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold during their first winter.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors in many areas of the country. The plant is likely to require a light, well-drained soil in a sunny position[K].
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden 1986-00-00
Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila 1998-00-00 ISBN 92 9061 120 0
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00