Bei Sha Shen
Glehnia littoralisfam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. BF61 — Glehnia littoralis
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IOverview
Overview
Bei Sha Shen, scientifically known as Glehnia littoralis, is a perennial herb native to regions including Alaska, British Columbia, California, and various parts of China and Japan. This plant thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure and prefers sandy or medium soil types. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, Bei Sha Shen is recognized for its edible leaves and roots, making it a valuable addition to gardens or landscapes where its distinctive light green foliage can add interest.
Quick answers
What is Bei Sha Shen?
Bei Sha Shen, scientifically known as Glehnia littoralis, is a perennial herb native to regions including Alaska, British Columbia, California, and various parts of China and Japan. This plant thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure and prefers sandy or medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bei Sha Shen thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is a perennial that grows up to 0.3 meters tall and can be propagated through root division. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is found naturally in various parts of Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia. The edible parts include the leaves and roots.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bei Sha Shen for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions for a successful first planting of Bei Sha Shen.
- 1
What you'll need
A small garden or container, quality potting mix, and some seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix that's light and sandy. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after the last frost, or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to avoid scorching. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, especially in winter. Provide light to partial sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to provide enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 17 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:California, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Oregon, Primorye, Sakhalin, Washington, British Columbia
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 (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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