Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang
Rehmannia glutinosa
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Pl. 1252 — Rehmannia glutinosa
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IOverview
Overview
Chinese Foxglove, or Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), is a perennial plant native to the north-central and southeast regions of China, as well as Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade, growing up to 0.3 meters tall. Its leaves and roots are edible parts that can be harvested. This hardy perennial is suited to USDA zones 8-11 and prefers well-drained soil, making it a versatile addition to gardens or herbal remedies. One distinctive feature of Chinese Foxglove is its adaptability; it can grow in various soil types, from light sandy to medium textures.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang?
Chinese Foxglove, or Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa), is a perennial plant native to the north-central and southeast regions of China, as well as Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade, growing up to 0.
What is Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang 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 Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a decoction. 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.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Chinese Foxglove, or Rehmannia glutinosa, thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows to a height of about 0.3 meters as a perennial. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate moisture while maintaining good drainage to prevent root rot. Propagate through division or seed sowing in spring. The edible parts include leaves and roots, making this plant both ornamental and useful for culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang in a well-prepared, moist soil environment for a rewarding beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden tools like a spade and trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with partial sun to full sun. Ensure the soil is light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep or transplant young plants into prepared soil, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with compost in early spring for better growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain the plant's health and appearance throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, not providing enough organic matter, and improper spacing.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Chinese Foxglove, or Di Huang, is edible with its leaves and roots being the main parts consumed. The roots are typically dried before use, while the leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native· 2 introduced
Asia3 regions
native (1)China
introduced (2)South KoreaVietnam
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
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 12527d85-30fd-486f-a33b-89abdea525b3
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