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Eupatorium japonicum - Thunb.

Common Name Pei Lan
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Moist grassland along river banks[275].
Range E. Asia - S. China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Eupatorium japonicum Pei Lan


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI
Eupatorium japonicum Pei Lan
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Eupatorium japonicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

E. japonicum. Thunb.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked. Boiled and well seasoned[177]. Root - cooked. It is sometimes eaten for food and is considered beneficial to the circulation[218].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anodyne  Antibacterial  Antidandruff  Antiviral  Carminative  Diaphoretic  Diuretic  Nervine  
Vermifuge  Women's complaints

The leaves and stems are anodyne, antibacterial, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine and vermifuge[176, 218]. They are taken internally in the treatment of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, feverish colds etc[147, 176, 238]. In excess the plant causes irritation to the stomach[238]. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use[238]. The plant contains the essential oil thymol. In large doses this can cause various health problems such as headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, inhibition of respiration and the circulation[176]. Use with caution[176]. The seed is prescribed in China for the '36 diseases of women'[218]. The root is considered to be beneficial to the circulation and a restorative to women after parturition[218]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. The herbage, soaked in oil, is applied to the hair as a treatment for dandruff[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade[200]. A very polymorphic species[58], it is closely related to E. cannabinum[1]. This species is a member of natural moist grassland flora on river banks in the Kanto District of Japan. Due to urbanization of this area, the habitat is now restricted to a very small area, and the species is endangered[275]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[111]. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Eupatorium cannabinumHemp AgrimonyPerennial1.5 4-8  LMHSNMWe031
Eupatorium capillifoliumDogfennelPerennial3.0 3-10  LMHSNM011
Eupatorium chinense Perennial1.8 6-9  LMHSNM121
Eupatorium compositifoliumYankeeweedPerennial0.0 0-0  LMHSNM011
Eupatorium hyssopifoliumHyssopleaf thoroughwortPerennial0.6 4-8  LMHSNM011
Eupatorium lindleyanum Perennial1.0 6-9  LMHSNM021
Eupatorium maculatumJoe Pye Weed, Spotted joe pye weedPerennial1.5 3-7 MLMHSNM021
Eupatorium perfoliatumThoroughwort, Boneset, Common bonesetPerennial1.2 0-0  LMHSNM03 
Eupatorium purpureumGravel RootPerennial2.0 3-9 FLMHSNM132

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.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Thunb.

Botanical References

58200275

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