Codonopsis pilosula, Bastard Ginseng

Beautiful, vining, hardy perennial to 8 ft, with delicate bell-shaped, lavender-veined flowers. Cold-loving native of East Asia and a tenderly powerful herb.

Start tiny seeds indoors and transplant after danger of frost. Space 8" in sandy, slightly acid, rich, well-drained and aerated soil. Likes shade and trellis. Will twine up to 6'. After 2-3 years, harvest roots during September-October. Pierce and string to sun dry.

Called “poor man's ginseng”, Codonopsis is used in Chinese herbal medicine for energy deficiency, lack of appetite, strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure and invigorating the spleen.

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