Nan Sha Shen
Adenophora triphylla
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Pl. 8F96 — Adenophora triphylla
Adenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphyllaAdenophora triphylla
IOverview
Overview
Nan Sha Shen, scientifically known as Adenophora triphylla, is a perennial plant native to the northeastern regions of China and Korea, as well as parts of Japan and Vietnam. This member of the Campanulaceae family thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions and prefers full sun exposure. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in zones 6-9. Nan Sha Shen is valued for its edible properties, with both leaves and roots being used. Its native range includes areas such as Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Chita, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Is., Manchuria, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin, and Taiwan. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in diverse climates across these regions, making it a versatile addition to gardens or culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Nan Sha Shen?
Nan Sha Shen, scientifically known as Adenophora triphylla, is a perennial plant native to the northeastern regions of China and Korea, as well as parts of Japan and Vietnam. This member of the Campanulaceae family thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions and prefers full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nan Sha Shen thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It grows best in hardiness zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 1 meter. Propagate via division or seed. This perennial is native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, making it adaptable to similar climates. Its edible parts include the leaves and root, making it useful both as a culinary herb and an ornamental plant in temperate gardens.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Nan Sha Shen for the first time
8steps
Start with Nan Sha Shen as a simple, hardy perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Adenophora triphylla seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light soil that is moist but well-draining. Ensure full sun exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or plant young plants in the garden after hardening off.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of Nan Sha Shen are edible. The roots can be cooked or dried, while the leaves are often used fresh in salads or as a garnish. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaJapanLaosSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8f964533-6c9a-4027-81cd-0d22d3a165f5
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