Codonopsis Species, Sichuan Poor Man's Ginseng, Chuan Dang Shen

Easily grown from seed, although germination can be slow and erratic. Seedlings appreciate a steady supply of morning sun and moisture. T...Read Morehis attractive plant wants to climb like a vine, and will flush a trellised area like a thicket. This plant flowers in its first year, and succeeds without complaint in a partly shaded area in a well drained, but moist soil. Two-toned white flowers with maroon borders are more striking than the solid yellowish-white flowers of its cousin, Codonopsis pilosula.

The roots of this plant are said to be sweet and crunchy, being recognized for their systemic tonic properties in Chinese herbal medicine.