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Uses

Toxic parts

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

Edible uses

Notes

Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[1][2]. They can be used as an asparagus substitute.

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Polygonatum cirrhifolium.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The roots are cardiotonic, sialagogue, stimulant and tonic[3][2]. The roots are used in Tibetan medicine where they are said to have a sweet taste and a neutral potency[4]. Antitussive, carminative and tonic, they promote bodily heat and dry up serous fluids[4]. They are used in the treatment of loss of vigour, pain in the kidneys and hips, swelling and fullness in the abdominal region, accumulation of fluids in bone joints, skin eruptions and coughs[4].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[5]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[5] 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Polygonatum cirrhifolium. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



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. It is closely related to P. verticillatum. 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[5]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but they tolerate most other conditions[5]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[6]. The young shoots are very attractive to slugs[K].

Hybridizes with other members of this genus[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Polygonatum cirrhifolium. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Polygonatum cirrhifolium.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Polygonatum cirrhifolium
Genus
Polygonatum
Family
Convallariaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Tsarong. Tsewang. J. Tibetan Medicinal Plants Tibetan Medical Publications, India ISBN 81-900489-0-2 (1994-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    6. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press (1984-00-00)
    8. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)