Common Name: Red shank, Ribbon bush,Ribbonwood

Habitat: South-western N. America – Southern California. Grows in chapparal at elevations of 300 – 2500 metres[

Description:
Adenostoma sparsifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6m.It is a multi-trunked tree or shrub native to dry slopes or chaparral of Southern California and northern Baja California. Shaggy falling shanks or ribbons of bark are one of the strongest characteristics of the tree, hence the common names. Redshanks are closely related to the more abundant Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum).

You may click to see the picturs..

It is an annual to tree.
Leaves simple to pinnately to palmately compound, generally alternate; stipules free to fused, persistent to deciduous
Inflorescence: cyme, raceme, panicle, or flowers solitary.

Red shanks grows from the San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara County line south in chaparral, down through the L.A. basin in coastal sage scrub and up on the edge of the pine forests in many areas like Mountain Center and Wheeler Springs.. It looks something like a tamarisk in fruit and flower. In the upper Malibu area the frequent fires and post-fire seeding of grasses have destroyed most of the plants. Red Shanks makes the area look like something from a James Bond movie shot in Africa or Captain Kirk on an alien planet, or Korea if you watch a MASH rerun. If pruned a little and opened up it makes a very dramatic small tree. Weird that it is not as wide ranging as it’s cousin Chamise, but it is as easy to grow and very tolerant of most garden conditions.

Flower generally bisexual, radial; hypanthium free or fused to ovary, saucer- to funnel-shaped, often with bractlets alternate with sepals; sepals generally 5; petals generally 5, free; stamens (0)5–many, pistils (0)1–many, simple or compound; ovary superior to inferior, styles 1–5
Fruit: achene, follicle, drupe, pome, or blackberry- to raspberry-like
Seeds generally 1–5

It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation :-
Requires a sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil and protection from cold winds. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and do not withstand exposure to prolonged winter frosts though they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country. In colder areas they are best grown against a south or south-west facing wall. The leaves are resinous and catch fire easily. They have a pleasant aroma.

Propagation:-
Seed – we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse or cold frame, planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings could be tried in August of half-ripe wood, preferably with a heel, in a frame. Layering.

Medicinal Uses:
The plant is cathartic. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of arthritis. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and chest complaints, and also as a mouth wash to treat toothaches. An infusion of the dried leaves, or the branches, has been used in the treatment of stomach ailments, inducing either bowel movements or vomiting. The crushed twigs have been mixed with oil and used as a salve.

Other Uses
The bark is fibrous and has been stripped off the plants to make women’s skirts. The wood has been used to make fencing posts and as construction material. The wood burns well, giving a high intensity heat.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenostoma+sparsifolium
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ADSP&photoID=adsp_004_ahp.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenostoma_sparsifolium
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6681,6683
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/adenostoma-sparsifolium

Tags Adenostoma fasciculatum, Associated Press, California, Chaparral, Dog, Garden, Gynoecium, Home, Leaf, List of plants poisonous to equines, Plant, Poison, San Francisco Chronicle, Sebastopol, Sonoma County, Southern California, Unincorporated area

Herbs & Plants

Greasewood

[amazon_link asins=’B01CAW03WK,B008MRIG40,B00EZD0WWO,B01LMOODHI,B00FSPG8TE,158243770X,B005J8KPP8,B01M9FLIV1,B00595V3YS’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e75280af-778c-11e7-81ce-5f5c64f3d881′]

Botanical Name :Adenostoma fasciculatum
Family : Rosaceae
Genus : Adenostoma
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Species: A. fasciculatum

Common name: Greasewood, Chamise.

Habitat: South-western N. America – California to Mexico. . Poor depleted soils and dry hot slopes in the Chaparrel in Mexico. Dense thickets among the coastal hills of California.

Description :
An evergreen Shrub .It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

It is an evergreen shrub growing three to four m tall, with dry-looking stick-like branches. The leaves are small, 4–10 mm long and one mm broad with a pointed apex, and sprout in clusters from the branches. These clusters are known as fascicles, and give the species its Latin name. The leaves are shiny with flammable oils, especially in warmer weather. The branches terminate in bunches of white tubular flowers five mm diameter, with five petals and long stamens. The fruit is a dry achene.
click to see the pictures..>.....(01)......(1).…..(2)....(3)..…..(4).……(5)
The oily leaves give rise to the common name greasewood; however, the species Sarcobatus vermiculatus is more appropriately called by that name.

There are two varieties which differ from each other in minor characters; they are not accepted as distinct by all authors:

A. f. var. fasciculatum. Leaves 5-10 mm, apex sharp; shoots hairless.
A. f. var. obtusifolium. Leaves 4-6 mm, apex blunt; shoots slightly hairy.

It is very drought tolerant and adaptable, with the ability to grow in nutrient-poor, barren soil and on dry, rocky outcrops. It can be found in serpentine soils, which are generally inhospitable to most plants, as well as in slate, sand, clay, and gravel soils. Chaparral habitats are known for their fierce periodical wildfires, and like other chaparral flora, chamise dries out, burns, and recovers quickly to thrive once again. It is a plant that controls erosion well, sprouting from ground level in low basal crowns that remain after fires, preventing the bare soil from being washed away.

Chamise grows in dense, monotypic stands that cover the dry hills of coastal California. These thickets of chamise are sometimes called chamissal. The species also gives its name to a specific chaparral (i.e. Adenostoma fasciculatum chaparral) dominated by A. fasciculatum, according to C.Michael Hogan. In this chaparral type toyon may also be a co-dominant

Cultivation :-
Requires a sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil and protection from cold winds. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and do not withstand exposure to prolonged winter frosts though they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country In colder areas they are best grown against a south or south-west facing wall. The leaves are resinous and catch fire easily. They have a pleasant aroma.

Medicinal Actions & Uses :-
Antirheumatic; Disinfectant.
A decoction of the leaves and branches has been applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism and as a wash for infected, sore or swollen parts of the body.

Other Uses:-
Adhesive; Basketry; Fuel; Lighting; Soil stabilization.
The wood has been used in basketry. A gum from the plant has been used as a glue. Plants have an extensive spreading root system that helps to bind the soil together. They are planted on slopes and other fragile soils for the prevention of soil erosion. Large roots burn well and have been used for firewood. Branches have been tied together then burnt for use as a torch.

Scented Plants:-
Leaves: Crushed
The leaves are resinous and have a pleasant aroma.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenostoma+fasciculatum
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/adenostoma-fasciculatum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenostoma_fasciculatum

Tags Agriculture, California, Erosion, Flower, Garden, Home, Plant, Soil

Herbs & Plants

Adenophora Verticillata

[amazon_link asins=’B017VMKID8,B01GNBIJJS,B010HU9UDK,B01A2UKTY4,B00SJJEEBA,B010HU9U26,B00SJJC75K,B01N7HN8KQ,B00HSSS71Q’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c82aae76-5706-11e7-a3d8-51b52a78e371′]

Botanical Name : Adenophora verticillata, Fisch
Family : Campanulaceae
Genus : Adenophora
Synonyms: Adenophora tetraphylla – (Thunb.)Fisch.
Common Name: Glehnia root (yin tiao shen)or adenophora (pao shen)

Pharmaceutical name: Radix adenophonrae seu Glehniae
Japanese Pronunciation: shajin
Korean Pronunciation: sasam

Other Names: Nan sha shen, da sha shen, kong sha shen, pao shen (adenophora), bei sha shen, liao sha shen, tiao sha shen, yin tiao shen (Glehnia) lai yang shen hai sha shen ying sha shen liao sha shen

Habitat :E. Asia – Korea, Siberia. Broad-leaved forests and shrubby formations.
Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Description:
Perennial growing to 1m.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

click to see the pictures

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :-
Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Grows well in the semi-shade of shrubs or in light woodland[88]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagation:-
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 – 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting[133]. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 – 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring – very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance.

Properties (characteristics): Sweet, cool, slightly bitter (pao shen) or bland (yin tiao shen)

Edible Uses:-
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.

Root – raw or cooked. A sweet taste. Leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-
Antidote; Antifungal; Cardiotonic; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Sialagogue; Stomachic; Women’s complaints.

This is a commonly used medicinal plant in China. The root is antidote, antifungal, cardiotonic, expectorant, febrifuge, expectorant, sialogogue, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of women’s diseases, chronic bronchitis with dry cough, pulmonary infections with cough and thick yellow sputum, dry throat.

Very good for lung, stomach

Actions & Indications: Moisten lungs and to stop coughs; nourishes stomach and generates fluids and clears heat, in dryness of mouth and throat due to yinxu (yin deficient); for moisten dry skin.

Cautions: Do not use in cough due to wind cold, or in cases of pixu (spleen deficient). Do not use with li lu or fang ji

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenophora+verticillata
http://alternativehealing.org/sha_shen.htm
http://search.myway.com/search/redirect.jhtml?qid=7aa4469bac675026ea30e1be9ef56a7d&searchfor=pictures+of+Adenophora+verticillata&action=pick&pn=1&si=&ptnrS=&ss=sub&st=site&cb=DF&pg=GGmain&ord=0&redirect=mPWsrdz9heamc8iHEhldEbLRLiJ5DqL6jDZPuHi2ANDgCmDVWDJeBADIR%2FwjaGwKSdPDmA%2BFr5ik%2F9v8V5xGqxbGumoA3cogQcLApYbvwl4%3D&ct=AR
http://flower.onego.ru/other/adenopho.html

Tags Bronchitis, China, Cough, Garden, Korea, People's Republic of China, Plant, Shrub

Herbs & Plants

Adenophora Triphylla

[amazon_link asins=’B01BLK7SF2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’609d1c9e-778e-11e7-bcd0-7568b2e27733′]

Botanical Name : Adenophora triphylla var. japonjca Hara
Family : Campanulaceae
Genus : Adenophora

Synonyms : Adenophora tetraphylla – (Thunb.)Fisch. ex B.D.Jacks. Campanula triphylla – Thunb.

Korean Name: Jan-dae

English Name: Three-leaf ladybell

Parts Used : Root

Habitat : E. Asia – China, Japan, Korea. Grassy places in lowland and mountains, also on woodland edges. In meadows from the lowlands to elevations of 1000 metres. Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Description:–
Erect Perennial herb growing to 1m.Root white,thickened. Stem glabrous or white-pilose. Basal leaves long -petiolate,almost round; stem leaves usually in worls of 4 , oralternate, short-pitiolate or sessile, oblong or oblong-ellipetic or linear, to 10 cm long, serrate. Flowers lower in whorls on very slender pedicels, more paniculate above; corolla pale bluish-violet, narrow urceolate- companulate, slightly constricted above, about 13-22 mm long; style long-exerted. July-Nov

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES..
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

This quite rare & most elegant & graceful member of the Campanula family comes from Japan. To 2-3’ tall, it forms erect, branching spikes bearing pale blue, perfect little chubby bells in late Summer thru Fall. The lance shaped leaves are glossy & held in whorls. Good garden soil is best. Easy! (Bait for snails).

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:-
Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry and a warm sunny position. Prefers a moist peaty soil in sun or partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. This species is extremely polymorphic, and several varieties and forms have been described in Japan. The many variations in several characters (hairiness, leaf-shape, inflorescence-shape etc.) can be seen in individuals growing intermixed. This species succeeds in a meadow if the grass is not cut until after the plant flowers. Intolerant of root disturbance. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagation:-
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 – 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 – 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring – very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance.

Chemical Components:- Saponin (1). Triterpenes (2)

Edible Uses:-
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.

Root – cooked. The root is thick and carrot shaped. Leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses :
Antifungal; Cardiotonic; Expectorant.

The root is antifungal, carditonic and expectorant. It is used I Korea to treat bronchial catarrh and coughs, especially where there is excess phlegm. The rot has been shown to contain saponins and triterpenes which are responsible for its expectorant action.

Tradional Uses: Sputum, cough,bronchial catarrh

Disclaimer: The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenophora+triphylla
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=1323

Click to access 11.pdf

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adenophora_triphylla_var_japonica3.jpg
http://gayasan.go.kr/eng/diary/diary.jsp?mnu_uid=0&lan_code=eng&flw_uid=667&gotopage=1&cmd=view