Asiatic tearthumb
Polygonum perfoliatumfam. Polygonaceae
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Pl. 1DE5 — Polygonum perfoliatum
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IOverview
Overview
Asiatic tearthumb (Polygonum perfoliatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to Tibet and Afghanistan, with an adaptable presence in moist to wet environments. This plant can grow up to 1.8 meters tall and thrives in soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures, with a preferred pH range of 5.5–6.5. Known for its edible parts—leaves, shoots, and seeds—it is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of Asiatic tearthumb is its light: 7/10 energy rating, indicating it requires moderate sunlight to flourish in its habitat.
Quick answers
What is Asiatic tearthumb?
Asiatic tearthumb (Polygonum perfoliatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to Tibet and Afghanistan, with an adaptable presence in moist to wet environments. This plant can grow up to 1.8 meters tall and thrives in soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures, with a preferred pH range of 5.
What is Asiatic tearthumb 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 Asiatic tearthumb
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Polygonum species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. Asiatic tearthumb may help maintain healthy immune responses.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and anthraquinones that have been shown to modulate immune activity in related Polygonum species.
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.
Asiatic tearthumb support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Asiatic tearthumb thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions but can grow as an annual or perennial forb/herb up to 1.8 meters tall. For best results, provide ample water and partial to full sunlight. The edible parts include leaves, shoots, and seeds. Propagate through seed sowing directly in the garden or by division if grown as a perennial.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Asiatic tearthumb for the first time
8steps
Start with Asiatic tearthumb as an easy-to-grow herb, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Amend your garden bed with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the area weed-free and provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Asiatic tearthumb (Polygonum perfoliatum) is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, shoots, and seeds are commonly eaten. Leaves and young shoots are often used fresh or cooked in soups and stews. Seeds can be harvested and dried for later use. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFrancePortugalRussiaSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Americas2 regions
native (2)Costa RicaUnited States
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Arizona, Connecticut, Alberta, Amur, California, Chita, Colorado, Altay, Arkansas, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Alabama
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 (Polygonaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Polygonaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1de56650-d527-4ae9-921d-3e90e2fef49e
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