Dendranthema lavandulifolium

Physical Characteristics

Dendranthema lavandulifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Northern China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

The following uses are for the closely related D. indica. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The flower heads are pickled in vinegar[46, 61, 177, 183]. Young leaves - cooked[105, 177, 183]. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves[183]. Seed[183]. No more details are given but it is very small and would be rather fiddly to use.

Medicinal Uses

Eczema The flowers are hypotensive and vasodilator[176]. They have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, streptococcus, C. diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae[176]. The flowers are used in the treatment of furuncle, scrofula, deep-rooted boils, inflammation of the throat, eyes and cervix, eczema, itchiness of the skin and hypertension[176].

Known Hazards

None known