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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Codonopsis tubulosa is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Adaptogen Aphrodisiac Tonic

This species is an important herb in Chinese medicine, the root is widely used as a substitute for ginseng[238]. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic[238]. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, lowering the blood pressure and stimulating the immune system[238]. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness[238]. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous as a tonic food[238]. The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[238].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[1, 200]. It only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[200]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[164]. Quite cold-hardy when dormant, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. An important herb in Chinese medicine, it is widely cultivated there and is used as a ginseng substitute[238]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[219]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent position as soon as possible[164]. Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[K].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established[K]. Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[200]. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guizhou Sheng (west), Sichuan Sheng (southwest), Yunnan Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal
Codonopsis javanica		Perennial Climber	0.0	-	LMH	SN	M	0	1
Codonopsis lanceolata	Todok	Perennial Climber	1.5	6-9	LM	SN	M	2	2
Codonopsis nervosa		Perennial	0.0	-	LM	SN	M	0	2
Codonopsis ovata		Perennial	0.4	4-8	LM	SN	M	2	1
Codonopsis pilosula	Dang Shen, Bellflower	Perennial Climber	1.7	5-9	LM	SN	M	2	3
Codonopsis tangshen	Chuan Dang	Perennial Climber	3.0	4-8	LM	SN	M	0	3
Codonopsis ussuriensis		Perennial	0.3	6-9	LM	SN	M	2	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Codonopsis tubulosa - Komar.