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IIIFolio · plant profile№ B086medicinal · edible
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Polygonum yokusaianum

Polygonum yokusaianum
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Polygonum yokusaianum (Polygonum yokusaianum) — botanical photograph
Pl. B086 — Polygonum yokusaianum
Polygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianumPolygonum yokusaianum
I

Overview

Polygonum yokusaianum is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of East Asian and Southeast Asian regions including Assam, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and parts of the Himalayas. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils, preferring a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it is also valued for its ornamental qualities. One distinctive feature is its height of about 0.6 meters, making it an attractive addition to gardens while providing both aesthetic and culinary benefits.

Quick answers

What is Polygonum yokusaianum?

Polygonum yokusaianum is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of East Asian and Southeast Asian regions including Assam, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and parts of the Himalayas.

What is Polygonum yokusaianum used for?

Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Polygonum yokusaianum
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Polygonum species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery. A decoction of Polygonum yokusaianum may support gastrointestinal health.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds that interact with the gut lining to regulate intestinal function.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
  • Polygonum species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for immune support. A decoction of Polygonum yokusaianum may help maintain overall health and wellness.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds that modulate the immune system, such as flavonoids and anthraquinones.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Polygonum yokusaianum support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Polygonum yokusaianum thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium soil types with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is an annual forb/herb that grows up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, provide it with ample water and partial to full sunlight. The plant can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the roots. Given its native range in temperate regions, it should be hardy in similar climates. Harvest leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Polygonum yokusaianum for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple planting of Polygonum yokusaianum to gain experience in growing herbs.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for containers or amend garden soil accordingly.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside, then transplant seedlings to their final location.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure good drainage. Fertilize lightly with a balanced plant food every few months.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage and remove dead leaves as needed for maintenance.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Polygonum yokusaianum are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are typically dried before consumption. This plant thrives in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

167 native · 38 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 167 native· 38 introduced
Europe26 regions
native (26)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia24 regions
native (24)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaGeorgiaIndiaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPalestinePhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnamYemen
Americas9 regions
native (2)Costa RicaUnited States
introduced (7)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorGuatemalaParaguayUnited StatesUruguay
Africa13 regions
native (7)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (6)AngolaChadKenyaLesothoNamibiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Florida, Føroyar, Hainan, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Kansas, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Kuril Is., Labrador, Lebanon-Syria, Louisiana, Magadan, Maine, Malaya, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nansei-shoto, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Tennessee, Texas, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Cape Provinces, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Falkland Is., Free State, Juan Fernández Is., KwaZulu-Natal, Masachusettes, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, New Zealand North, Newfoundland, Northern Provinces, Prince Edward I., Svalbard, Tasmania, Transcaucasus, Tristan da Cunha
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Polygonum yokusaianum (Polygonum yokusaianum) — botanical photograph
Polygonum yokusaianum (Polygonum yokusaianum)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

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