Common Name:

General Information

Dipsacus mitis is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from a taproot up to 35mm in diameter. It produces a basal rosette of leaves and branched flowering stems that can grow 50 - 200cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is said to be an effective herb for stimulating bone growth, such as after a fracture.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan through N. India to Bhutan and China.

Habitat

Humus rich soils amongst scrub and in forests; at elevations from 1,700 - 3,900 metres in the Himalayas[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is likely to require a well-drained humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade.

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

The root is used in traditional Chinese medicine in order to promote bone growth and to correct bone fractures[]. It has also been shown to be of value in the treatment of osteoporosis[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no details but suggest sowing it in a greenhouse in early spring. 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.