Family: Aster (Asteraceae)

(Xi-xian-cao, Xian-geng-xi-xian, Seigesbeckia chinensis var. pubescens)  A sturdy annual weed native to SE Asia, China and Japan. Handsome leaves on a straight-stemmed plant flowering yellow to 5 feet.  The stems and leaves tend toward a bright purple coloration.  The flowers are many but they barely open, residing mainly as sticky, bud-like, ball-like structures.  The entire plant is sticky with resin, which is indicative of its activity.  The taste is fruity and slightly bitter.   Traditional usage (TCM): pain relief, dispel wind dampness, antiinflammatory, arthritis, leg spasms, numbness, weakness.   Plant prefers sun and is not picky about the soil, preferring to grow wayside, in disturbed soils, or in moist garden soil.  Sow in spring.  Barely cover seed, tamp securely and keep moist and in the light until germination, which occurs in 1 to 3 weeks.  Thin or transplant to 2 feet apart.

30 seeds per packet, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s