Zhi-mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) packet of 20 seeds

Family: Asparagus (Asparagaceae)

Hardy to Zones 2 to 8

Herbaceous perennial monocot native to China and Mongolia, flowering in upright spikes, fragrant, variable colors from pink to brownish-purple, to a height of 30 inches.  The leaves are grasslike.  It is the weighty rhizome that is used in TCM: one of the herbs that purges heat, used in treating staph infections, fever, bronchitis, pneumonia.  Source of steroidal saponins.  The plant prefers a part shade exposure with rich, slightly acidic, moist soil.  The seeds may be sown fall or early spring, requiring 30 days or more cold stratification before germination.  They are light-dependent and should be pressed into the surface of a rich potting soil, left outdoors to cold stratify and then brought in for germination.  Alternatively, mix the seed in moist peat and refrigerate for 10 days, then surface-sow and keep warm and in the light until germination, which can take up to 30 days.

20 seeds per packet, open-pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s