Codonopsis (Dang shen)

Poor Man’s Ginseng. This vigorous climbing plant has unusual violet green bell shaped flowers. Will die down completely each winter and come back from the roots quite late in the spring. Harvest roots after 3 years. An important Chinese medicinal herb similar in action to ginseng. Its sweet tasting roots have been shown to boost red blood cells and hemoglobin counts. It has been used as a tonic for treating anemia, fatigue, poor appeite and diabetes. Twining light green leaved branches need a trellis or support and prefer partial shade especially in hot climates. Perennial. Hardy to zones 5-9.