Hypericum attenuatum
C.E.C.Fisch. ex Choisy.
Николай Соболев (via Wikimedia Commons)
William Curtis (via Wikimedia Commons)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Leaves - cooked. A famine herb, only used when all else fails.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Krasnoyarsk (south), Chita, Irkutsk), Mongolia, Russian Federation (Habarovskij kraj, Primorye, Amur, Sakhalin), China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu (north), Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea
How to Identify
Hypericum attenuatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any reasonably good well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade but flowers better in a sunny position.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
