Family:  Legume (Fabaceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 10

(Sophora angustifolia, Ku shen) Herbaceous perennial in cooler zones, a woody shrub in warmer, sending arching stems to 5 feet, native to China and Japan.  Long racemes of cream colored flowers give way to generous follicular clusters of seedpods.  Handsome and fun.  Traditional usage (TCM): jaundice, diarrhea, vaginal discharge and sores (not so fun).  It is a relatively important herb in the Chinese materia medica.  There are 2 different forms of the drug, the root and the dried green legume.  The root is intensely bitter, very much the same reaction as Gentian.  The plant itself does well in the same habitat as Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaea rhamnoides), with an ability to improve poor soil and stabilize loose, sloping ground. Plant prefers a sunny, warm position, especially the shelter of a stone fence or wall and is not picky about soil.  Scarify on medium grit sandpaper and soak seed overnight, sow fall to early spring.  Work up seedlings in pots until they are big enough to withstand the rigors of planting outdoors.

10 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown