Bei Chai Hu
Bupleurum chinense
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Pl. A083 — Bupleurum chinense
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IOverview
Overview
Bei Chai Hu, scientifically known as Bupleurum chinense, is a perennial plant native to the regions of China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Korea, Manchuria, and Vietnam. This hardy plant thrives in light to partial sun, thriving best in dry to moist conditions with soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is known for its edible parts—leaves, roots, and shoots—which are often used in local cuisine. One distinctive feature of Bei Chai Hu is its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a notable presence in the landscape while also serving as an important source of food in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Bei Chai Hu?
Bei Chai Hu, scientifically known as Bupleurum chinense, is a perennial plant native to the regions of China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Korea, Manchuria, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bei Chai Hu thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Hardy from zones 3-7, this perennial requires moderate watering but can tolerate drought once established. Propagate via root division or seed sowing. Harvest the leaves, shoots, and roots for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bei Chai Hu for the first time
8steps
Bei Chai Hu is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, especially in partial sun and moist soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Amend soil with compost for good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, covering them lightly. Alternatively, plant young plants 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Fertilize once in spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Rutin
Other uses:Fire starter
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaSouth KoreaVietnam
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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