Practical
Plants

Polygonatum lasianthum

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.6 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Self

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Edible uses

Young shoots - cooked[1][2]. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked. The roots are used as a source of starch, though they can also be eaten cooked after soaking them to remove the bitterness[1][2].

Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Japan.
Habitat
Thin woods in low mountains and hills[5].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent 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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[3]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[3] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position 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 in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

We do not have much information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture-retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[3]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but they tolerate most other conditions[3]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[4]. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[3].

References

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

    ↩1↩2

  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩1↩2

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  4. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

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

    ↩

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