Ixeris japonica
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Ixeris
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
Young plant - cooked[1].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
- Habitat
- Cultivated fields and waste ground in lowlands all over Japan[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in spring and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be tried in spring or autumn.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. We suggest growing it in a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00