Scrophularia ningpoensis

Physical Characteristics

Scrophularia ningpoensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antifungal Antiphlogistic Antipyretic Cardiac Diuretic Febrifuge Haemolytic Hypoglycaemic Restorative Sialagogue Tonic Vasodilator This species has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years[238]. The root is antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antiphlogistic, cardiac, diuretic, febrifuge, haemolytic, hypoglycaemic, restorative, sialogogue, tonic and vasodilator[147, 176, 218]. Small doses act as a heart tonic, whilst large doses depress cardiac function[176, 238]. The root is used internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses with symptoms such as rashes, delirium and insomnia, dry cough, throat infections, abscesses and carbuncles[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known