Polygonatum cirrhifolium

Physical Characteristics

Polygonatum cirrhifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[105, 272]. They can be used as an asparagus substitute.

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Cardiotonic Carminative Sialagogue Stimulant Tonic The roots are cardiotonic, sialagogue, stimulant and tonic[218, 272]. The roots are used in Tibetan medicine where they are said to have a sweet taste and a neutral potency[241]. Antitussive, carminative and tonic, they promote bodily heat and dry up serous fluids[241]. 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[241].

Known Hazards

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