Nan Sha Shen

Adenophora triphylla

Basic Information

Family: Campanulaceae

Genus: adenophora

Plant ID (slug): adenophora-triphylla

Numeric ID: 23038

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Adenophora triphylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[105, 177]. The root is thick and carrot shaped[275]. Leaves - cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Antifungal Cardiotonic Expectorant The root is antifungal, carditonic and expectorant[174, 279]. It is used I Korea to treat bronchial catarrh and coughs, especially where there is excess phlegm[279]. The rot has been shown to contain saponins and triterpenes which are responsible for its expectorant action[279].