Common Name:

General Information

Codonopsis ussuriensis is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant producing a cluster of branched stems that can be more than 150cm long from a tuberous rootstock. The stems scramble over the ground, twinging into the surrounding vegetation for support.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, northern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Woods in lowland and mountain areas[], especially on sandy soils[]. In more or less wet, sunny meadows at low elevations in Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[, ]. Only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[]l.
Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[]. 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[].
This plant is considered to be a part of C. lanceolata by many botanists[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent position as soon as possible[].
Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[].

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked[, , ]. Plants produce a stout, globose tuber[]. The ones we grew were quite thin, but they have a reasonable flavour with a slight sweetness[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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[]. 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[].
Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[]. 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[].