Herb latin name: Polygonatum humile


Family: Convallariaceae



Medicinal use of Polygonatum humile:

The roots are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue and tonic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Meadows and thin woods in lowland, C. and N. Japan. Forests and grassy slopes at elevations from 800 - 2200 metres.

Edible parts of Polygonatum humile:

Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked. Rich in starch.

Propagation of the herb:

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

Meadows and thin woods in lowland, C. and N. Japan. Forests and grassy slopes at elevations from 800 - 2200 metres.

Known hazards of Polygonatum humile:

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

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.