Asian Madder
Rubia akane
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Pl. 6BA9 — Rubia akane
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IOverview
Overview
Asian Madder, scientifically known as Rubia akane, is a perennial plant native to regions in China and Korea, including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeastern areas, as well as Japan and Taiwan. This hardy plant thrives in partial sun or shade with varying soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, reaching a height of 1 meter. Known for its edible parts, which include the fruit and leaves, Asian Madder is valued not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its culinary uses. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to diverse environments, making it a versatile addition to gardens across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Asian Madder?
Asian Madder, scientifically known as Rubia akane, is a perennial plant native to regions in China and Korea, including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeastern areas, as well as Japan and Taiwan.
What is Asian Madder 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 Asian Madder
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Asian Madder has been traditionally used to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. This use is based on traditional Chinese medicine practices documented in the Bencao Gangmu.
The mechanism of action is not fully characterised but may involve immunomodulatory compounds present in the plant.
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.
Asian Madder support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Asian Madder thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can tolerate dry conditions but also does well in moist environments. The plant requires moderate watering and grows up to 1 meter tall. Hardy in temperate regions, it is a perennial that can be propagated through division. Edible parts include the fruit and leaves, making it useful for both culinary and landscaping purposes.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Asian Madder for the first time
8steps
Asian Madder is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with partial sun to shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in full sun. Prune dead or damaged foliage as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased parts. Harvest leaves for culinary use when young and tender.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Asian Madder plant is edible and can be consumed in various forms. Its leaves and fruit are commonly used, often picked fresh or dried for later use. The leaves may be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable, while the fruit can be consumed fresh or dried.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
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
XII
About this entry
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