Polygonatum humile

Physical Characteristics

Polygonatum humile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 - N. China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[105]. Rich in starch.

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Antirheumatic Demulcent Refrigerant Sedative Sialagogue Tonic The roots are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue and tonic[218].

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.