Adenophora nikoensis

Franch. & Sav.

Campanulaceae Edible: Leaves, Root 24 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

A compact perennial growing to 0.3 m tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers bloom from August through September with seed ripening from September to October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Requires full sun and moist soil in light to medium-textured soils; tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH.

Description

Edible Uses

The root is edible cooked, and is best prepared by boiling in two changes of water, after which it makes excellent eating. The leaves and young shoots are also edible cooked.

Traditional Uses

The roots are cooked by boiling in lots of water then eaten. The leaves and young shoots are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It grows best in a light rich slightly alkaline soil. It needs a sunny position. It does not like having its roots disturbed.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan,

Cultivation

Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance. A polymorphic species. Adenophora nikoensis is sometimes separated into two different species, in which the plant with calyx lobes serrate is named A. nipponica and that with entire ones as A. nikoensis. These two forms, however, are often observed in the same place and cannot really be separated. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe, though spring sowing also works. Surface sow 2–3 seeds per pot in spring to avoid the need for transplanting. If transplanted as very small seedlings, they grow away without difficulty. Germination takes 1–3 months at 10°C. Plant out into permanent positions while still young. Basal cuttings can be taken in spring. Division in spring is possible but very difficult, as the plant dislikes root disturbance.