Poor Man's Ginseng (Codonopsis pilosula) Plant

Common Names: Dang Shen, Poor Man’s Ginseng, and Bonnet Bellflower

Latin Name: Codonopsis pilosula

Family: Campanulaceae  (Bellflower family)

Origin: Grown from Seed in Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Description: Native to cool, temperate zones of East Asia, Codonopsis pilosula is a hardy, perennial, deciduous, herbaceous climbing vine,  that sprawls or twines, with soft green leaves. ,usually covered in short, soft hairs and bell-shaped, yellow-green flowers typically blooming from June to August. Later in the season producing capsules filled with seeds similar to that of poppy seeds. The roots are long, fleshy, tapering, yellowish-brown taproots 

Hardiness: Hardy

Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic.

Position: Full sun to partial shade.

Height: Twining, 1–2 meter stems.

Spread: It produces shoots that can be controlled to maintain desired spread.

Maintenance: Will need vertical support. Otherwise low maintenance. 

Uses: The roots are typically harvested after 3 years for use as food or to support health. The roots are fleshy and sweet, can be cooked or roasted, and made into a tea.