Cang Zhu
Atractylodes lancea
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Pl. C26B — Atractylodes lancea
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IOverview
Overview
Cang Zhu, scientifically known as Atractylodes lancea, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Korea. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can be sandy, medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers full sun to partial shade and reaches a height of about 1 meter. Cang Zhu is valued for its edible roots, making it an important crop in some areas. Its native range extends from Inner Mongolia to Vietnam, including parts of Japan and Korea. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow well in diverse soil types while requiring consistent moisture.
Quick answers
What is Cang Zhu?
Cang Zhu, scientifically known as Atractylodes lancea, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Korea. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can be sandy, medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cang Zhu thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 1 meter tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Propagate Cang Zhu through root division in early spring. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in Amur, China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, and Manchuria.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cang Zhu for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Cang Zhu in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Cang Zhu seeds or young plants, garden soil, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Cang Zhu in early spring or late autumn when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the ground or transplant young plants, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Fertilize sparingly with organic compost if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health, but avoid harvesting roots as they are not commonly used for this purpose.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Cang Zhu is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used fresh or dried before being chopped and added to soups, stews, or stir-fries. The root can also be sliced thinly and eaten raw as a snack. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these basic preparation methods.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 11 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaVietnam
Broader regions
native:Amur, Khabarovsk, Primorye
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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