Polygonatum sibiricum - Huang Jing

Family:	Convallariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - N. China, Mongolia and Siberia.

Polygonatum sibiricum (Huang Jing) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 3.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

Huang Jing will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Huang Jing prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Huang Jing can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Woods and sandy places near the sea[74].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[200]. This species is closely related to P. verticillatum[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[K]. Plants adopt a semi-climbing habit, scrambling through small shrubs[187]. Hybridizes with other species in this genus.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young shoots - cooked[105, 176]. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[105, 176]. Rich in starch.

• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root is antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, demulcent, lenitive, tonic and vasodilator[176, 218]. Its use lowers the blood pressure and prevents atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration in the liver[176]. It is used in the treatment of dry coughs due to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, fatigue and poor appetite[176].

• Antibacterial - Kills bacteria.
• Antifungal - An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Demulcent - Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
• Lenitive - Soothing, palliative.
• Miscellany - Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[200] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Other Uses

The plant has insecticidal properties[218].

• Insecticide - Kills insects.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the USSR.
Komarov. V. L.
Author: Komarov. V. L.
Rating:
Publisher : An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.
Date of Publication : 1968

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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