Adenophora divaricata

Adenophora divaricata belongs to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. It is a perennial, so it lives for more than two years. Its native range runs from the Russian Far East to northern China. It also grows in Japan, on Honshu and Shikoku among other sites. Kew places it in the temperate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future notes it in central Japan's mountains. It grows in woods whose trees shed their leaves. It also grows on sunny grass slopes and rocky sites.

The plant grows about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. The sources give no size for its spread. They give no stem or leaf details for this species. It blooms from August through September, late in the growing season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects bring pollen to the flowers. Seeds ripen from September through October, once flowering ends. The evidence gives no fruit details or flower colour.

Plants For A Future lists sand and loam as suitable soils. The pH can range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The plant needs light and will not grow in shade. It prefers moist soil to a dry site. The source suggests planted beds and sunny woodland edges. Its late blooms could suit these sites. Yet the source gives few details on landscape use. Its hardiness in Britain is still unclear. The source gives no firm limit for cold.

The same source gives more growing notes for the genus. These favour rich, light soil and a warm, sunny spot. They warn against disturbing roots and note that slugs harm shoots. These are broad notes, not findings confirmed for this species. To grow new plants, it suggests fresh seed in a cold frame. Spring sowing is an option too. Place those seeds on the surface. Seeds sprout in one to three months at 10°C. Move young plants to their final site while still young. The source also lists spring basal cuttings, taken at the base. It warns that dividing plants is hard.

Young leaves have a recorded food use when cooked. The source rates its food use two out of five. It lists no known uses as medicine or for other purposes. It reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for pets or every use. The evidence gives no disease account for this species. It does not flag the plant as a weed.