Long Dan Cao
Gentiana scabrafam. Gentianaceae
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. 61D9 — Gentiana scabra
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IOverview
Overview
Long Dan Cao, scientifically known as Gentiana scabra, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China Southeast, Chita, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, and Primorye. This hardy species thrives in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist conditions, and can tolerate various soil types ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). It is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens or culinary uses within its native range. One distinctive feature of Long Dan Cao is its height, typically reaching only 0.3 meters.
Quick answers
What is Long Dan Cao?
Long Dan Cao, scientifically known as Gentiana scabra, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China Southeast, Chita, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, and Primorye.
What is Long Dan Cao used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Long Dan Cao
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Long Dan Cao appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Long Dan Cao is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function and detoxify the body. It may help maintain a healthy inflammatory response when prepared as a decoction.
The mechanism by which Long Dan Cao supports immune health involves its bitter compounds, though specific pathways are not fully characterised.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Long Dan Cao, or Gentiana scabra, thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing adequate drainage. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest its edible leaves for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Long Dan Cao for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving perennial that thrives in moist soil and partial shade.
- 1
What you'll need
Long Dan Cao (Gentiana scabra) plants or seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, and heavy textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Space plants 30-45 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 shade, especially in the afternoon. Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers regularly to maintain plant health. Harvest young leaves for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Long Dan Cao (Gentiana scabra) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in stir-fries or soups to add a unique flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk, Primorye
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
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 (Gentianaceae), 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
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 61d9792c-b9fc-4166-aae0-63f05702f5df
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