Polygonatum cirrhifolium

Polygonatum cirrhifolium is a deciduous perennial in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range spans the Himalaya, China and northern Myanmar. It grows in forests, scrub and on open slopes. These habitats lie at elevations of 4,920–12,140 feet [1,500–3,700 metres]. The plant grows from rhizomes and forms clumps. Its stems may stand upright or scramble through nearby growth.

In gardens, it reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Its spread is about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The RHS describes individual stems as 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres] tall. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves sit directly on the stems without stalks. They grow in whorls, with three to six leaves at each level. The foliage falls away at the end of the growing season.

Flowers appear from spring into early summer. They hang in pairs beneath the leaves. Each tubular flower narrows slightly around its middle. Flower colour ranges from white to greenish white or pale purple. Round red fruits follow the flowers. The slim leaves and hanging blooms suit woodland-style planting. The RHS also lists beds, borders, courtyards and informal gardens as suitable settings.

Grow this plant in fertile soil rich in humus. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. It accepts chalk, clay, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. The RHS allows sun, partial shade or full shade. Plants For A Future favours dappled shade and woodland edges, rather than deep shade. Choose a sheltered site. Its RHS hardiness rating is H7, covering temperatures below −4°F [−20°C]. Divide clumps in spring to make more plants. Cut old stems to ground level in late autumn. Slugs and Solomon’s seal sawfly may cause damage. The RHS reports few disease problems.

Plants For A Future records cooked tender leaves and young shoots as food. It describes their use as a substitute for asparagus. However, the RHS warns that eating this plant can harm people and dogs. These records do not establish that casual home use is safe. The RHS also calls for gloves and protective clothing when handling it. Plants For A Future records traditional medicinal use of the roots, including in Tibetan medicine. Reported uses include coughs, loss of vigour and several other complaints. These are records of traditional use, not proof of benefit.