Fickle Ladybell

Closely related to Campanula, this genus contains over 40 species of perennials. Eurasian in origin. They are elegant plants for the border, with bell-shaped, sometimes scented flowers. Though well-known in the Eastm where they are grown as ornamentals, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, few are available in the West. Adenophora means "gland-bearing" and refers to the cylindrical nectary at the base of the style, hence the common name "gland bellflower". The fragrant A. liliifolia is cultivated as a root crop in Japan, and the young shoots of A. triphylla var. japonica (tsurigane-ninjin, ch'andae) area popular vegetable in Korea. Both A. stricta and A. trachilioidis are used in traditional Chinese medicine for various lung complaints.

Tall perennial with a conical root, upright stems, and oval, toothed basal leaves, clad in fine white hairs. Narrow racemes of pendulous, blue, bell-shaped flowers, also hairy, open in late summer and autumn.

Common Name:	Fickle Ladybell
Botanical Name:	Adenophora stricta
Genus:	Adenophora
Family:	Campanulaceae
Location:	E Asia
Cultivation:	Grow in light, rich, well-drained, moist soil in sun or in partial shade. Plant out when young, since established specimens are deep-rooted and resent disturbance. Adenophora may become invasive.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn; by basal cuttings in early spring. Adenophora does not divide well.
Harvest:	Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	60-90cm (24-36in)
Width:	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z4-8
Parts Used:	Roots (nan sha shen)
Properties:	A stimulant herb that acts mainly on the respiratory system and heart.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for dry coughs, chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni BrownCopyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 102-103