Siberian Tea

Bergenia crassifolia

Physical Characteristics

Bergenia crassifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - N.W. China to Siberia.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The leaves are used as a tea substitute[2, 61, 105, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antirheumatic TB None known

Known Hazards

None known