Qin Jiao
Gentiana macrophylla
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. F1B9 — Gentiana macrophylla
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IOverview
Overview
Qin Jiao, scientifically known as Gentiana macrophylla, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of China and neighboring countries such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan. This herb thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and can be found growing in various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and reaches a height of about 0.6 meters. Qin Jiao is valued for its edible leaves, which are often used in traditional cuisine. Additionally, it has gained recognition for its ornamental qualities, enhancing gardens with its presence. Its adaptability to different growing conditions makes it a versatile plant in both culinary and horticultural contexts.
Quick answers
What is Qin Jiao?
Qin Jiao, scientifically known as Gentiana macrophylla, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of China and neighboring countries such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
What is Qin Jiao used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Qin Jiao
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Qin Jiao appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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.
Qin Jiao support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Qin Jiao thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is well-draining or heavy with clay. It grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy soils and is hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial reaches a height of about 0.6 meters and is propagated through division or seed sowing. Its edible leaves can be harvested for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Qin Jiao for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Qin Jiao in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Qin Jiao plants or seeds, garden soil, compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Qin Jiao in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good sunlight exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden. Space them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Fertilize sparingly with compost if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health but avoid cutting back too much as it may affect growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared in stir-fries or soups to add a unique flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as they were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaKazakhstanMongolia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Primorye, Tuva, Yakutskiya
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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