Common Name:

General Information

Polygonatum humile is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock, with rhizomes up to 5mm thick; it produces a cluster of erect, unbranched stems usually around 15 - 30cm tall, occasionally to 50cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Botanical References

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Range

Central and eastern Asia - Kazakhstan, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Russian Far East, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Meadows and thin woods in lowland, C. and N. Japan[]. Forests and grassy slopes; at elevations from 800 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Polygonatum humile is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20 to -25°c when fully dormant[, ].
Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[].
Especially in areas where winters are cold, the shallow rhizomes of this species will benefit from the protection given by a deep mulch of leafmould[].
Closely related to Polygonatum hirtum[]. Closely allied to Polygonatum odoratum. Plants are often mistakenly grown as Polygonatum falcatum[].
The rhizomes are slender and creeping, the plant forming spreading colonies[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
Young shoots are very attractive to slugs.
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute.

Rhizome - cooked[]. Rich in starch. The rhizomes are up to 5mm thick[, ].

Medicinal

The rhizomes are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue and tonic[]. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as tuberculosis, pulmonosis, coughs, flu and mastitis[].
The rhizomes are crushed and applied as a poultice on bruises, shingles, lumbago etc[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position 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.
Division in early spring or early autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.