🌿 Codonopsis (Dang Shen)

Codonopsis pilosula
herbs perennial twining vine
Illustration of Codonopsis (Dang Shen)
🗺️ Zones
4-9
🧪 Soil pH
5.5-7.0 (prefers rich, moist, well-drained loam)
📏 Spacing
12-18 in. apart (vine; needs trellis)
📅 Days to Maturity
2-3 years (from seed); roots harvested after 2-3 years for medicinal use

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ []

🤝 Companions (4)

🤝 trellis structures
Twining vine needing support. Bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators. Root used medicinally after 3+ years. Prefers cool conditions and can grow under light tree canopy.
🤝 fences
Twining vine needing support. Bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators. Root used medicinally after 3+ years. Prefers cool conditions and can grow under light tree canopy.
🤝 shrubs for support
Twining vine needing support. Bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators. Root used medicinally after 3+ years. Prefers cool conditions and can grow under light tree canopy.
🤝 partial shade plants below
Twining vine needing support. Bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators. Root used medicinally after 3+ years. Prefers cool conditions and can grow under light tree canopy.

⚠️ Keep Apart (1)

⚠️ plants easily smothered by vines
Growth inhibition or competition

💊 Medicinal Uses

Contains codonopsides, tangshenosides, and polysaccharides. Traditional Chinese Medicine adaptogen used as a gentler alternative to ginseng. Tonifies Qi, strengthens lungs and spleen. Used for fatigue, poor appetite, weak digestion, anemia, and respiratory conditions. Immunomodulatory and gastroprotective properties.