Download Agastache rugosa Pinyin: tu huo xiang Part used: Leaf and flower

Agastache rugosa, (Fisch. & Mayer)
Common name: Korean Mint
Pinyin: tu huo xiang
Part used: Leaf and flower
Family: Lamiaceae
Dry Herb
Plant Description
This is a long-lived deciduous perennial that is winter hardy down to at least to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Purple-blue flowers are borne atop 5’ tall anise-scented plants in mid summer. Green cordate leaves are
lightly serrate and show purple hues in response to cooler temperatures. Korean mint does not produce
runners. This plant is a close relative of Anise hyssop.
Propagation
Grow by sowing seed in spring or fall. Seed germination occurs from 6-14 days. If fall sown in
greenhouse then higher herb production can be expected the following summer; this is especially helpful
if the crop is being treated as if it were an annual.
Field Production
Set out starts at least 10 weeks old in spring. Agastache is easy to grow and flexible in its cultural
requirements, tolerating wet winters and heavy soils. It prefers full sun and a moderate amount of
summer water and an average loam. Plant 2’ on center. Weed to avoid resource competition.
Pest
Gophers occasionally predate, deer do not browse. Insect pests include Diabrotica, the cucumber beetle,
and mites can cause light leaf damage.
Harvest
Harvest the leaves, young flowers and stems in June through August of the first and subsequent seasons
when the plants are growing vigorously, and the weather is warm or hot. The volatile oils will not be
present in as high amounts if harvested in the cooler months. Two good harvests are possible per season.
A gas hedge trimmer makes quick work cutting for a hang to dry method. When dry, gently roll on a 4”
mesh screen to riddle the leaves and flowers off the stems. If fresh herbs are desired hand harvest is
preferable; remove the terminal 5” and other leaves individually. They wilt easily so harvest early in the
day and cool down soon after picking. Harvesting early will also avoid bee activity. The best quality
consists of whole leaves and young flowers.
Notes
Marketing to western tea companies diversify sales; it makes a fragrant and pleasant tea. Korean mint is
attractive enough to be a worthy addition to the ornamental border.
Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
© Peggy Schafer 2008
Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.
Common name: Hairy Agrimony
Pinyin: xiān hè cǎo 仙 鶴草
Part used: Whole plant
Family: Rosaceae
Plant Description
A hirsute herbaceous perennial, short, erect with a fibrous root system. Branches can get up to three feet in length;
leaves are alternately positioned on the stem, oblong, toothed, and irregular. Small, bright yellow flowers form small
acorn-shaped prickly burs in the fall. This plant is cold-hardy and tolerates poor soils. (2)
Hardiness
Prefers temperate climates, USDA zones 4-5.
Propagation
Easily propagated from seeds, planted directly or in trays in spring.
Field Production
Direct seed or transplant young plants to prepared seedbed, thin to 1-foot spacing, sandy to sandy-loam soils
preferred. Allow to establish first season, harvesting can begin once fully established.
Pests
None observed.
Harvest
Harvest whole plant, dehydrate. (1)
Notes
Winter buds are conical, white, and used medicinally also in powder form.
References
1) Medicinal Plants in China, http://www.wpro.who.int/internet/files/pub/69/toc.pd
2) Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea, http://www.wpro.who.int/internet/files/pub/97/15.pdf
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Allium tuberosum/ramosum
Common name: Garlic chives
Pinyin: jiu cai zi 韭菜
Part used: Leaves
Family: Alliaceae
Plant Description
A fast-growing perennial herb with erect, pungent, flat onion-like leaves growing 1-2 feet from small, tough, bulbs.
Umbels of white flowers bloom profusely beginning late summer. Prefers cool weather, full sun, moderately loamy
sand soil. Garlic chives tolerate drought well.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4-8. (1)
Propagation
Direct-seed early spring or transplant from bulbs or divided rhizomes into prepared seedbed.
Field Production
Easy to grow, plant in rows or beds under drip irrigation to minimize invasiveness and spread. Side dress established
plants with compost in early spring to maintain production and plant vigor. Properly maintained stands can remain
productive indefinitely. Do not plant near ordinary chives or other similar species as identification can become
confusing.
Pests
Aphids and powdery mildew have been reported as problems under some conditions.
Harvest
Leaves are harvested anytime up to flowering time, washed, diced and dried or used fresh like ordinary chives.
Invasiveness
Garlic chives produce seeds prolifically and also spread by rhizomes. It has escaped cultivation in parts of Europe
and the US, and has become weedy in places. Removing flowers before going to seed will minimize invasiveness.
Trim rows or beds in early spring to remove unwanted creeping rhizomes.
Notes
The flowers can also be used for ornamental purposes in fresh or dried arrangements.
References
1) Floridata, http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/alli_tub.cfm
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Bge.
Common name: None
Pinyin: zhi mu
Part used: Rhizome
Family: Liliaceae
Plant Description
Rare in cultivation this herbaceous plant, growing to 1.5’ tall, looks a lot like grass. Small white vaseshaped flowers are arranged in clusters on racemes that rise above foliage, making the total height of this
perennial 4’ tall. Lateral growing rhizomes are orange and are arranged in segments of three, rather like
the center of the Mercedes Benz logo. Occurring as far north as Mongolia, Anemarrhena is considered
cold hardy. This is not a drought tolerant plant.
Propagation
Black faceted seeds form in chambered tan capsules that should be separated if seed was not received as
such. Sow these somewhat fragile seed in the spring or fall. Due to their slow growth habit they should
be grown in the nursery for a year or more before planting out. Do not allow to dry out. At the Chinese
Medicinal Herb Farm we have found equally good germination (90%) by spring sowing seed in a heated
greenhouse or outdoors in the fall in wooden flats; emergence takes place in 1-2 weeks. Constanttemperature stored seed remains viable for more than 4 years.
Field Production
This plant prefers full sun or part shade in hot regions. Plant into a clean cultivated bed evenly spaced,
1’ on center and 2’ between rows. Keep weeded, especially when young to avoid confusion with grassy
weeds. Anemarrhena has moderate irrigate needs. Average to low soil fertility is recommended.
Pest
None.
Harvest
Roots are dug while dormant in the fall or winter after 3 years or more of growth. Remove the thickened
roots close to the rhizome, and remove any persistent foliage to facilitate washing. A power washer is
helpful. Slice lengthwise and dry.
Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
© Peggy Schafer 2008
Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth.
& Hooker
Common name: Daurian angelica
Pinyin name: bai zhi
Part used: root
Family: Apiaceae
www.coilingdragon.com
Plant Description
This beautiful but short-lived perennial responds to cool, moist fertile soil at the forest edge, valley
grasslands or stream banks. Dauria is near the Mongolian-Siberian border, thus the plant is hardy to Zone
4. First-year plants remain in a basal clump about 30 inches high, fuller in richer soil, with complex
divided leaves 10-20 inches long, and reddish-purple coloration at the base of the clump. In the second or
third year, the plant sends up a sturdy, hollow, one-inch diameter stalk to 8 feet. White flowers are borne
on umbels up to 12 inches in diameter in July-September. Seeds follow, turning from greenish white to
medium brown and papery as they ripen.
Propagation
Dry, flat seeds with dorsal and lateral ribs will wind-disperse widely, with a few germinating years later in
a moist setting. (The plant has naturalized in our garden.) Dormancy occurs less than six months after
seed harvest, and dry-stored seeds are all dead after one year. Light is required for germination. Surface
sow fresh seed on moist medium, 15-21 days at 70°F.
Field Production
Seedlings may be kept in pots for more than one season before setting out. Rich soil and moisture will
increase size in all parts. Plant at a 24-inch radius in partial shade. Water evenly for best results, although
this species is tough and can endure neglect and short periods of drought. Yield estimated at 5 pounds dry
weight per 100 square feet.
Pests
None noted.
Harvest
Cylindrical, pale brown roots 1-2 inches thick and 4-7 inches long must be harvested before the stalk
emerges. The roots have a longitudinal grain, a white interior and a pleasant odor resembling that of wild
Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). Remove leaves, trim side roots, make thin even longitudinal or
oblique slices of main root, dry thoroughly.
Notes
Angelica formosana H. de Boissieu is synonymous with A. dahurica. Angelica taiwaniana S.S. Ying is a
substitute for bai zhi and has a slightly different leaf texture.
© 2009 High Falls Gardens
www.highfallsgardens.net
Angelica sinensis, (Oliv.) Diels
Alternate species:
A. acutiloba (Siebold &Zucc) Kitag
A. polymorpha var. sinensis (Oliv.)
Common name: Chinese Angelica
Pinyin: dang gui
Part used: Root
Family: Apiaceae
Angelica sinensis
Dry Dang Gui in a
Bozhou herb market.
Plant Description
A primary herb in the materia medica and much in demand; effort should be made to grow this crop.
Perennial and herbaceous, Dang Gui grows up to 4’ tall with the typical white flowering umbel and
whitish roots. The leaves and plants are more delicate than the western Angelica archangelica, the Asian
A. dahurica, and A. pubescens. The foliage is divided into 3 leaflets and is green with purple overtones.
Not surprisingly the whole plant smells like celery, which is in the same family.
Propagation
Angelica sinensis can be a challenging herb to grow. “The plants like a cool, moist environment with
deep, rich, sandy soil, high in organic matter…It does best in very high and cold conditions in a shaded,
moist location”. 1 Many varieties of seed in the apiaceae family are considered to be short-lived; having
said this the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm had close to 100% germination several times with February
sown seed that was just over 2 years old. Seed should be kept moist.
Field Production
Plant Angelica 1’ apart in part shade. Low vigor is a common problem. The Flora of China states “Wild
or cultivated in forests, shrubby thickets; 2500-3000 meters” 2 The Chinese provinces where Dang Gui is
native are predominantly covered with evergreen forests. 3
Pest
None noted.
Harvest
Foster notes that Dang Gui is harvested after 2 or 3 years of growth in the fall, and notes further that one
year plants are not harvested as they yield inferior medicine. 1
1
Steven Foster and Yue Chongxi, Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts
Press, 1992), 70-71.
2
Flora of China, http://wwwefloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=2000015389 Accessed September 9, 2008.
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA
3
Flora of China, http://wwwefloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=2000015389
Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
© Peggy Schafer 2008
Arctium lappa
Common name: Burdock, Gobo
Pinyin: niu pang zi 牛蒡子
Part used: root and burr
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Description
Gobo is a stout, erect biennial, native to Eurasia, usually to 6 feet. It is a common weed on roadsides and waste
places. The leaves are large, up to 16" at the base, becoming smaller toward the top, oval to heart-shaped,
smooth above with whitish down underneath, resembling rhubarb. Globular flowers (in 2nd year) appear in
clusters at top of stalk with stiff hooks which cling to anything coming in contact. Bracts enclose purple florets,
then later, large achenes with a short pappus of stiff hairs on each seed. The root is a long tap root up to 3 feet,
growing straight down into the soil, being fleshy and gray brown on the outside, whitish on the inside. (1)
Hardiness & Propagation
USDA Zones 4-10. Several cultivars have been developed, primarily in Japan. Obtain these improved varieties if
possible. Gobo is easily grown direct-seeded in late summer or spring.
Field Production
Gobo roots are most easily grown in a sandy loam for ease of harvest and cleaning. For root production, Gobo can be
treated as an annual crop. Thin seedlings to 12”-18” spacing, side dress with compost periodically. For seed
production, two seasons are required. Allow the plant to overwinter and bolt the following summer.
Harvest
For root production, harvest roots by hand or using a root grubber implement in the fall of the first growing season
after dormancy. Wash, scrub, and clean off any small roots, leaving the main tap root. Gobo root can be sold fresh or
sliced or chopped, dried, and packaged. For seed production, cut or remove fully mature, dried seed stalks and burrs
after the second season of growth. Thresh the burrs to release the seeds, then screen and winnow to separate seeds
from burrs and chaff. Store in an air-tight container or freezer to prevent insect damage.
Pests
Grasshoppers and weevils can be serious pests of Gobo roots. Grasshoppers can defoliate first year plants, reducing
plant vigor and root size and yield. Cover plants with remay or light netting to deter grasshopper feeding. Weevils
can decimate the seed crop, burrowing into the ripe seedheads and feeding on the seeds. Cover ripe seedheads with
remay, burlap or coarse mesh cloth to deter feeding.
Invasiveness
Control or prevent seed production when cultivating under field conditions to avoid seed escape and spread to
neighboring farms and fields. If grown for the root, destroy all unwanted plants after harvest. Composting will not
kill the seeds, incineration of unwanted burrs and plant material is recommended.
References
(1) Earthnotes Herb Library, 2009. http://earthnotes.tripod.com/burdock_h.htm
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Artemisia annua
Common name: Sweet Annie
Pinyin: qīng hāo
Part used: plant tops
Family: Asteraceae
©herbpure.com
Plant Description
A fast-growing herbaceous annual up to six feet in height, with fern-like leaves. It is a short day plant with a critical
photoperiod of 13.5 hr. (2) The plant is usually single-stemmed with alternate branches and alternate, deeply
dissected, aromatic leaves ranging from one to two inches in length. Tiny yellow nodding flowers are in loose
panicles. (2)
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4-8. This species is temperate zone in origin but has adapted widely except in the tropics. (1)
Propagation
The seed can be sown in a coldframe or greenhouse and transplanted to the field in late spring. Alternatively, the seed can
be sown directly in the field in late spring. (3)
Field Production
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a well-drained slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position. Plants are
longer lived, hardier and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Qing Hao is a determinate short-day plant.
In temperate climates plants flower in early September with mature seeds produced in October. Most collections of
artemisia derive from natural stands with highly variable artemisinin content. Selections from Chinese origin are preferred
due to higher artemisinin concentrations. (2)
Pests
The species is hardy and virtually pest-free. (3)
Harvest
Approximately one hundred days to leaf harvest, one hundred sixty days to seed (4).
Invasiveness
This species is known to become weedy and invasive. It has escaped from cultivation and has naturalized in much of
the world. (1)
Notes
Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people. The pollen is extremely
allergenic. (3)
References
1) USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2009. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARAN3
2) Purdue University New Crop Proceedings. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1996/V3578.html
3) Plants for a Future database, 2009. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Artemisia+annua
4) Horizon Herbs, 2009. http://www.horizonherbs.com/group.asp?grp=43&pgNUM=2
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Artemisia vulgaris
Common name: mugwort
Pinyin: ai ye 艾葉
Part used: leaves and flowers
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Description
Mugwort is a tall herbaceous perennial growing as high as six feet. Leaves are finely divided, arranged alternately
on stems that can become woody late in the season. Flowers bloom from July to September, are compound, very
small, and inconspicuous. The inflorescence is racemose, terminally located on each stem. Mugwort is very
drought tolerant.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4-8.
Propagation
Mugwort is a prolific seed producer and is readily propagated from direct seeding in late summer, early fall, or
spring. Thin plants as they grow to establishment. No special care is needed in germination.
Field Production
In areas where mugwort has become naturalized, formal cultivation is not recommended. Mature plants can reach 6-8
feet in diameter, so thin plants in established areas to at least that distance. Mugwort prefers full sun, tolerates poor
soils very well. Mugwort dies back to the ground each year, prune back old woody growth to ground level to
stimulate re-growth and to shape and contain the plant size. Keep from going to seed.
Harvest
Flower buds and leaves can both be used. For leaves, harvest branches before flowering, strip off leaves by hand,
spread evenly on mesh trays or on drying racks and air-dry at room temperature with adequate ventilation for several
days, turning daily. The flowers can be harvested when still in bud stage or just opening, then cleaned and gathered or
rolled into a “fluff” for a more valuable form of moxa.
Invasiveness
Mugwort is highly invasive due to its prolific seed production and competitiveness. It has already become an
established invasive species in many parts of the US. To prevent and minimize invasiveness, harvest or remove all
flowers before they go to seed. Prune back all branches periodically after harvest to prevent re-flowering later in the
season. Hoe out any seedlings from around the main plants.
Notes
Moxa is the product made from mugwort, used in moxibustion. It is very commonly used in Oriental medicine, but is
also very inexpensive, making it difficult to grow and harvest profitably.
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr.
Common name: asparagus tuber
Pinyin name: tian men dong
Part used: tuber
Family: Liliaceae
Plant Description
This herbaceous, dioecious perennial with slightly woody, climbing stems 3-6 feet in length resembles the
houseplant A. sprengeri but is hardy to Zone 5. The stems bear short needle-like side stems with the form
and function of leaves (cladodes), plus short spines. Tiny bell-shaped greenish flowers are borne in May
or June, followed by quarter-inch round green berries in September. The berry becomes translucent when
ripe, revealing one or two round black seeds within and resembling a fish eye.
Propagation
Berries will stay moist for months in cool storage. Remove seeds from pulp. Plant in 72-cell trays, keep
evenly moist. A few fresh seeds will germinate immediately, but most come up after 15 months at
varying temperatures 70-40ºF. Seedlings may be transplanted into larger pots and held for a season or
more. Propagation from tubers, in our experience to date, has been unsuccessful.
Field Production
Plant sturdy seedlings in full sun, average well-drained soil, at an 18-inch radius. Benefits from mulching
but seems little affected by drought. Train emerging stems to 4-foot plant stakes to encourage flowering
and fruiting. More stems emerge from the crown each year as the plant ages; the number of tubers
increases proportionally. Yield on 3-4 year plants is estimated at 3 pounds dry weight per 100 square feet.
Pests
None noted.
Harvest
After tops have died back in autumn, clip to stubs. Dig beside the crown and take only a few tubers,
allowing the plant to regenerate. The cylindrical or spindle-shaped, yellow-brown tubers are
approximately one to two inches long and dry to half that length. They remain somewhat sticky and shiny
or translucent, as befits their Yin-nourishing function. Cut into half-inch pieces for decoction.
Notes
The tubers are sometimes used fresh, also are juiced.
© 2009 High Falls Gardens
www.highfallsgardens.net
Aster tataricus
Common name: Tatarian aster
Pinyin: zi wan
Part used: root
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Description
This stout perennial grows over five feet tall with lower leaves that are large, coarse and lanceolate with upper
leaves much smaller. In late summer or early fall light purple ray flowers appear in several clusters.
Hardiness
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
Propagation
Start indoors or directly outdoors in early spring, barely covering the seeds. Germination in flats is around 2 ½
weeks. Once parent plants are established, Aster tataricus is easily propagated by root division from mature
plants.
Field Production
Soil should be of average fertility and well draining. Set out or thin plants on 2-foot centers. Mulch to promote
water retention. Tatarian aster is not drought tolerant and needs regular irrigation for greatest productivity.
Pests
Tatarian aster is susceptible to aster yellows virus.
Harvest
Roots are harvested in the fall after two or more years of growth. Wash the roots with a power washer and trim
off the rootlets and air dry. Dry the main roots under low heat. “Good quality is long and reddish purple”
(Bensky et al, 2004).
Invasiveness
Though not invasive this aster should not be allowed to cross with native asters.
References
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, compiled and translated by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble.
Fourth edition, Eastland Press, Inc., 2004.
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Astragalus membranaceus, (Fisch.) Bge.
Common name: Astragalus, Milk vetch
Pinyin: Huang Qi
Part used: root
Family: Fabaceae
Plant description
Resembling other members of the pea family, Astragalus grows to 3’ tall with somewhat rambling
stems. The pinnately compound leaves are bluish – green in color. Astragalus is a deciduous perennial.
Blossoms form out of leaf axils and develop into racemes with yellow pea-like flowers, maturing into 1”
long seed pods. Naturally occurring as far north as Mongolia 1 , Astragalus can generally be considered
hardy.
Propagation
Seeds are sown in the spring or fall, but because they have a hard seed coat it is common practice to
scarify by rubbing with sandpaper or nicking with a sharp knife, nail clippers etc. Soaking the seed
overnight is another method to aid germination. Here at the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm we have
found good germination without employing scarification methods. Germination takes place from 6-20
days with bottom heat. It is also common to use an innoculant. One used for Vetch cover crops is
advised. Plants are drought tolerant in pots and field. Nursery media should be extra well-draining. Do
not over water. Over watering is the most frequent reason for Astragalus to die.
Field Production
Grow milk vetch in a sunny location in very well drained, sandy, soil. Fertilizers and compost are not
recommended. Plant or sow 1’ apart. Direct seeding has brought good results. Seed emergence is
variable and takes place from 1-4 weeks. Seedling transplants can be field planted from 14 weeks to 1
year if the pots/cultivation boxes are deep.
Pest
Gophers are a big predator, deer to a much lesser extent.
Harvest
Roots are dug while dormant in the fall after 4 years growth. The whitish yellow roots grow 3-4’ straight
down making hand harvesting the norm as machine harvest would miss much of the root. Check the
roots for pithiness or any potential rot as it may not be initially obvious. Wash thoroughly and dry by
cutting the roots lengthwise.
1
Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica (Eastland Press, 1993), p. 319.
Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
© Peggy Schafer 2008
Astragalus sinicus L.
Common name: Chinese milk vetch
Pinyin: geng ge hua 紫雲英
Part used: leaves, roots
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Description
Chinese milk vetch is an herbaceous perennial with pinnate leaves and pink-purple flowers, usually grown as a winter
annual; it is a native of China and introduced to Japan (1) and closely resembles Huang Qi, Astragalus
membranceous. Growers will need to be careful not to plant them in succession or near each other to avoid misidentification.
Hardiness & Propagation
USDA Zones 4-10. Chinese milkvetch should be inoculated with Rhizobium prior to planting in spring for greatest
yields. As a forage crop, it can be broadcast or solid-seeded; as a root crop, seed can be sown in rows and thinned to
one-foot spacing for larger root diameter and yield.
Field Production
Chinese milkvetch is slow to emerge and establish, weeds will need to be carefully controlled early on. Cultivation in
rows is recommended for ease of weed control.
Pests
Grasshoppers have been observed to feed heavily on Chinese milkvetch, but the plant usually recovers in the fall. It is
also susceptible to a number of virus diseases, including alfalfa mosaic and mild vetch dwarf virus. Pure virus-free
seed and isolation are the best ways to prevent these diseases.
Harvest
A well-grown crop is said to yield fifteen tons per acre of green material at the early flowering stage.(1)Roots can be
hand dug or harvested with a root grubber, yields are comparable to those for Huang Qi, Astragalus membranaceous.
Invasiveness
Chinese milk vetch is a hard-seeded legume, and may persist in fields in following years. Crop rotations and deep
tillage will easily control volunteer plants. Do not let volunteer plants go to seed.
Notes
Chinese milk vetch is a multi-purpose crop, serving as a forage, green manure, vegetable or medicinal crop. It is also
useful in re-seeding eroded or waste places when inoculated with legume-fixing Rhizobium bacteria. Organic growers
will need to be aware that certain modern varieties have been genetically engineered for higher tryptophan
production.
References
1) FAO Plant Database, 2009. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Gbase/DATA/Pf000465.HTM
©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU
Atractylodes macrocephala, Koidz.
Common name: Chinese Thistle Daisy
Pinyin: Bai Zhu
Part used: root
Family: Asteraceae
Plant description
A prickly, hot pink flowering, uncommon herbaceous perennial, it resembles a thistle – but it is not.
Grows 1-2’ tall in Northern California. Highly variable in form, from low growing compact plants to
taller and looser, and from very prickly to less so. This plant grows in central eastern China and should
be hardy to about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. To see a detailed distribution map on the internet go to
Tropicos Flora of China Checklist Project at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/FOC/projsfoc.html.
Propagation
Easy to germinate in the spring or fall with up to 90% germination rate. On-going germination from 1430 days. Do not over water.
Field production
Transplant out 8-12 week seedlings in spring on 8” to 1’ centers in the full sun. Keep on the drier side;
roots have a tendency to rot. Seed is slow to mature.
Pests
None.
Harvest
This rarely grown but important medicinal is probably grown at least two or three years, before
harvesting the root while the plant is dormant. Traditionally the root is sliced.
Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
© Peggy Schafer 2008