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- 200+ Codonopsis pilosula seeds, 'Dang shen,' or "Poor Man's Ginseng," China
200+ Codonopsis pilosula seeds, 'Dang shen,' or "Poor Man's Ginseng," China
Codonopsis pilosula or dang shen. Imported directly from China. Perennial to Zone 4. AKA 'Poor Man’s Ginseng.' Used in Chinese medicine like ginseng, but considerably easier to grow than true Panax ginseng.
Open-pollinated, climbing vine like bush to 10ft. Easy to grow, but needs a tree to climb on.
A twining and vining perennial native to China, with small ovate leaves. Buds look like green peas that swell into little green balloons, then flower as purplish bells, and then mature into five-sided-balloon seed pods. Makes a novel garden ornamental if you can keep it within sight.
The roots, which can be harvested at 4-6 years, are crunchy, very sweet, and delicious. Protect roots from gophers who also find them yum yummy.
Used In TCM to support energy levels, digestion, immune response, and to clear excess mucus from the lungs; builds chi energy and tonifies the blood.
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. A soft and pretty climber, much like a morning glory vine or climbing nasturtium.