Herb latin name: Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii


Synonyms: Polygonatum japonicum


Family: Convallariaceae



Edible parts of Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
April

Habitat of the herb:

Wet grassy places in lowland areas all over Japan.

Propagation of Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii:

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 the herb:

Wet grassy places in lowland areas all over Japan.

Medicinal use of Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii:

None known

Known hazards of Polygonatum odoratum thunbergii:

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.