Synurus pungens

Synurus pungens is a perennial in the Asteraceae, the daisy or sunflower family, and it is generally known by its scientific name rather than a widely used common one. It is native to Japan and is not documented as introduced elsewhere. In a garden it is a tall subject, reaching about 1.5 meters, best placed in a sunny position. It performs well in full sun and in soil that stays reliably moist, and it is not drought resistant, so a site that dries out is a poor match. Within a moist spot it is fairly accommodating, tolerating light sandy ground, medium loam, and heavy clay alike, which gives it flexibility where water is consistent. The documented edible part is the leaf. The leaves are used as a condiment rather than a staple vegetable, so the plant is best understood as a flavoring herb. Anyone growing it for that purpose should identify it carefully before use, since published references for the species are limited and the supplied record lists no compounds and no medicinal applications. The cultivation notes supplied add that it can be propagated by dividing mature plants or from seed, and that the leaves are harvested for culinary use. As a perennial, a well-sited planting can persist across several seasons, making it a longer-term addition to a moist, sunny bed.