Han Lian Cao
Eclipta prostratafam. Asteraceae
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Pl. 18CB — Eclipta prostrata
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IOverview
Overview
Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) is an annual forb or herb known for its widespread distribution across North and South America, as well as parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Native to Alabama, Argentina, Arizona, Arkansas, and other regions, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It is commonly found from hardiness zones 10-12 and reaches a height of about 0.6 meters. Han Lian Cao is valued for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a useful addition to gardens where it can be grown in soils with a pH between 5 and 5.5. Its light energy requirement of 7/10 indicates that while it prefers sunlight, it can also tolerate some shade.
Quick answers
What is Han Lian Cao?
Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) is an annual forb or herb known for its widespread distribution across North and South America, as well as parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Han Lian Cao support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Han Lian Cao thrives in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH between 5 and 5.5. This annual plant requires full sun to partial shade and grows up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Han Lian Cao is hardy in temperate regions with zones 10-12. Propagate through seeds sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots throughout the growing season.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Han Lian Cao for the first time
7steps
Start with Han Lian Cao by planting it in a moist, well-draining soil and providing light to medium sunlight.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed, potting mix suitable for herbs.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH of 5-5.5, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to medium sunlight and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth, cutting back stems by one-third at a time.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) are edible. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5 and 5.5, making it suitable for various climates.
Other uses:DyeEssential OilHair
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas12 regions
native (12)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyana
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Arkansas, Arizona, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Alabama, Chile South, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, California, Chile Central, Chile North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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