200+ Codonopsis pilosula seeds, 'Dang shen,' or "Poor man's Ginseng"
Codonopsis pilosula. Imported directly from China.
Open-pollinated vine. AKA 'Poor Man’s Ginseng' and dang shen in China. Used in Chinese medicine like ginseng, but considerably easier to grow than true Panax ginseng.
Perennial to Zone 4. A twining and vining perennial native to China, with small ovate leaves. Bushy vine to about 5–6 feet. 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.
The roots are crunchy, very sweet, delicious and can be harvested at 4-6 years. Protect from gophers.
Used In TCM to support energy levels, digestion, immune response, and to clear excess mucus from the lungs: builds chi and tonifies the blood.
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. A soft and pretty climber with pretty, bell-shaped blossoms.
China