Common Name: Sacred Bamboo

General Information

Nandina domestica is an erect, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall. The plant suckers and can develop dense stands[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use mainly as a medicine, though some reports say that it is also edible. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, being valued especially for its fruit display and for its often brightly coloured leaves. It can be used as a hedge[].
Nandina domestica has been widely introduced as an ornamental plant in temperate and subtropical North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Australia. It has become naturalized in some countries, including the southeastern United States from Maryland to Texas, where it is classed as invasive[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous[].All parts of the plant contain toxic substances, including hydrocyanic acid and nandenine[].
The fruits contain cyanide, and there is a report of numerous cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) dying from ingestion of large amounts of the fruits in southern N. America[],

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China

Habitat

Ravines and valleys in mountains and warmer parts of C. and S. Japan[]. Streamsides in montane forests, roadsides, shrub forests; at elevations up to 1,000 metres in China[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nandina domestica is a native of the warm temperate and subtropical regions of central and southern China. It can succeed under a wide range of temperature conditions, including tropical, but does not generally succeed in regions of the temperate zone that are colder than its native habitat. Young plants are especially subject to cold damage, whilst the shoot tips even of mature plants can be damaged by hard frosts[, , , ]. Some forms of the plant have been known to tolerate temperatures down to -14°c[]. The plant can tolerate a mean annual rainfall in the range 300 - 1,600mm[].
Requires a deep rich moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered sunny position[, , ]. Prefers a cool but sunny position[]. Established plants are moderately drought resistant[].
A very ornamental plant, a number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[]. The plant fruits in the winter and has often been used as a Christmas decoration in the same way as holly (Ilex aquifolium)[].
Untidy old stems on established plants can be pruned to the base in spring[].
The plant is cultivated for its fruit in China and Japan[] (the fruit is barely edible, so does this refer to medicinal usage?[]).
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No further details are given, but another report says that the fruit is poisonous[]. The fruit is a red to purplish berry, around 6 - 10mm in diameter and containing 1 - 3 seeds[, ].

Young leaves - boiled[]. The water must be changed at least once during the cooking[]. The leaves
are used in preparing a kind of rice congee called Wu-fan or Ch'ing-ching-fan[]. This congee has the same medicinal virtues as the leaves (see Medicinal Uses), with the added virtue of the nourishment afforded by the rice[].

Medicinal

The roots and stems are antitussive, astringent, febrifuge, stomachic and tonic[, ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of fever in influenza, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, indigestion, acute gastro-enteritis, tooth abscess, pain in the bones and muscles and traumatic injuries[]. It is especially useful in the treatment of children's coughs[].
There is a danger that an overdose can cause respiratory paralysis[].

The branches and leaves are reputed to check discharges, drive away sleepiness, strengthen the tendons, benefit the breath, prolong life, prevent hunger, and keep off old age. They are also prescribed for colds[].
The seeds have about the same virtues, and are also said to strengthen virility and improve the complexion[].

A decoction of the leaves is tonic[].

The fruit is febrifuge and tonic[]. Another report says that it is toxic, so great care should be employed if using it[].

The root is antirheumatic[].

Essential oils and extracts of the plant have been found to have in vitro activity against dermatophytic fungi[]

Young shoots contain high concentrations of laetrile - up to 20% on a zero moisture basis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants are used for hedging in warm temperate zones[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[]. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a frame. Germination is often poor[200. 1093]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on 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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 15cm long, mid summer in a frame[]. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[] but very slow[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame[]. Plant out the following autumn[, ]. High percentage[] but very slow[].