Saururus chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Saururus chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Antiphlogistic Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge Laxative Malaria Parasiticide Poultice Urinary Antiperiodic, parasiticide[61, 178]. The flowers are antimalarial, diuretic, eliminative, laxative and parasiticide[218]. The root is antimalarial, depurative, eliminative and parasiticide[218]. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge and refrigerant[147, 218]. A decoction is used in the treatment of oedema, nephritis-associated oedema, nutritional oedema, inflammatory conditions and calculus of the urinary system, rheumatoid arthritis, boils and abscesses, rashes and fungal infections of the skin[147]. The leaves are used as a poultice to clean abscesses and boils[147, 218].

Known Hazards

None known