Ji Gu Chai (Elsholtzia fruticosa)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
Grows well on woodland margins. This species is a sub-shrub, the woody stems often dying back to the base in severe winters.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Edible uses
The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Medicinal uses
One report says that the plant is used medicinally, but gives no more information. The juice of the roots is used to relieve headaches.
Material uses
The highly aromatic foliage is used in pot-pourri.
Habitat
Grasslands, open hills, valleys; 1200-3200 m. Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Nepal.