#20310F Datura stramonium, yang jin hua, foreign country flower, jimson weed, Solanaceae - Originally collected in Kunming, but native to north and south America and grown as ornamentals for their large trumpet-shaped white flowers, bushy annual grows in rich soil in sun, beautiful forbidding flowers bloom in summer and close at night; has a long history of medicinal and ritual use, fruit and seeds are considered warm, bitter and poisonous, the flowers are said to calm asthma.

Plant = $3.00

Seed = $3.00

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#20320 Dianthus amurensis, dong bei shi zhu, dianthus, Caryophyllaceae - Compact perennial, good for bedding and containers; blooms are an unusual purple and flower all summer into fall, height and size are about 8"; whole plant is said to stimulate digestive and urinary system, externally for skin inflammations and swelling, can be used as a substitute for qu mai .

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Plant = $4.75

Seed = $3.00

#20330 Dianthus chinensis, qu mai, dianthus, Caryophyllaceae - Foliage looks like a soft mat of green, fragrant deep pink to magenta flowers bloom in late summer or early fall, grow this perennial in well- drained neutral to alkaline soil in full sun; said to be used for skin inflammations and swellings, roots are used locally in Nanjing, China for cancer--especially stomach cancer, excellent bedding plant for dry alkaline sites.

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Plant = $5.00

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#20340 Dianthus superbus, qu mai, fringed pink dianthus, Caryophyllaceae - Considered to be the main species for the medicine qu mai and originally collected in Japan through U.C. Berkeley B.G.; aromatic and grows 6-12" in neutral to alkaline soil in full sun; a bushy perennial with stunning fringed light to dark pink flowers that bloom all summer and fall; a bitter herb that is said to stimulate digestive and urinary systems, relieves fever.

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Plant = $5.00

 #21420 Digitalus lutea, foxglove, Scrophulariaceae. - Hardy upright perennial with smooth green leaves, grows to 30". Delicate spires of creamy yellow flowers bloom in summer, grow in well drained soil in part sun to sun; rarely used medicinally.

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Plant = $3.50

#20350 Dipsacus asper, xu duan, Japanese teasel root, Dipsacaceae - In some parts of China D. japonicus is used as this herb; a course and thorny perennial it grows to 4-5' in neutral soil in sun, tiny white star shaped flowers bloom in summer, native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, roots are harvested in autumn and are said to tonify the kidney yang and to strengthen the bones and tendons through tonifying the kidney and liver, often used for back pain and or knee pain from deficiency and or blood stagnation.

Plant = $3.25

Seed = $3.00

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#21320 Eclipta sp. (probably prostrata?), han lian cao, Compositae - This annual herb stands erect and spreads, tiny white flowers bloom in summer; grows throughout China on the banks of streams, in grasslands and in damp soil; whole plant is said to nourishes and tonifiy the liver and kidney yin, blurred vision, vertigo, and premature graying.

Plant = $4.00

#20380 Elsholtzia sp., dong zi su, elsholtzia, Lamiaceae/Labiatae - Original seed for this perennial herb was collected in the West Mtn. region of Kunming; it grows 12-14" in disturbed places such as fields and lots near buildings, likes contact with people, blooms are spikes of dark lavender, young shoots are used as a substitute for tea, it's medicine name is feng wei cha which means Phoenix Tail Tea; it is spicy and neutral and said to harmonize the stomach, moves qi, colds and flu symptoms, liver infections such as hepatitis.

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Plant = $5.25

#20880 Elsholtzia stauntonii, mu xiang ru, aromatic madder, Lamiaceae/Labiatae - Perennial upright deciduous subshrub with purple-red stems, mint scented, grows 4' in rich moist soil in sun, numerous small lavender flowers bloom in late summer and leaves turn red in fall, attracts butterflies; leaves are said to be used for infections, astringent anti- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

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Plant = $5.00

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#20960 Equisetum hyemale, mu zei, scouring rush, Equisetaceae - Tough, wiry perennial with up-right stems that stay green all winter; grow in moist soil in sun or part shade, they can become invasive; stems are said to be astringent and have diuretic, anti-inflammatory effects; said to be used for cataracts, sore or watering eyes, also used in Ayurvedic medicine; grows along the Yangtze River valley.

Plant = $3.50

#20360 Forsythia suspensa, lian qiao, weeping forsythia, Oleaceae - First mentioned in the very earliest Chinese medicinal texts which date back to at least 2000 BC; an arching deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring, leaves appear after the flowers and are split into three lobes, it grows 8-10' in most soils in sun or part shade, fruits are said to be bitter and astringent and used to treat fever, common cold, diuretic, stimulates nervous system.

Plant = $4.00

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#20390 Gardenia jasminoides, zhi zi, cape jasmine fruit, Rubiaceae - Original seed from Guangxi B.G.; small evergreen bush with shiny leaves and fragrant yellowish-white blooms, grow in well-drained acid soil in sun or part shade, keep evenly moist; fruit is said to possess antibacterial and diuretic properties and used to treat fever, sore throat, checks bleeding, considered to have a major effect on the blood, (clearing heat and cooling blood), a poultice of pounded fresh leaves is said to be effective for wounds.

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Plant = $4.50

#20400 Glechoma longituba, huo xue dan, glechoma, Lamiaceae/Labiatae - This very special plant was collected at IMPLAD in Beijing; grows beautifully in a hanging pot, spreading tender perennial with round scalloped green leaves, it grows naturally in shady, moist areas, almost anywhere, sides of paths, in forests; it is spicy, cool, slightly bitter, said to be used for lower abdominal pain, cough, dysentery, functional bleeding, jaundice

Plant = $4.00

#21430 Glycyrrhiza sp. licorice, Leguminosae/Papilionaceae - Handsome perennial with fan shaped leaves, flowers are 3" long and bloom white in summer; grows to 3' in well drained soil, sun or partial shade. Species and uses are still being researched.

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Plant = $5.50

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#20410 Glycyrrhiza uralensis, gan cao, Chinese licorice, Leguminosae/Papilionaceae- A perennial herb important in traditional Chinese medicine and associated with longevity; it has an erect stem and compact leaves, violet flowers bloom in summer, grow in rich, sandy soil in sun and keep well-watered; roots and rhizomes are harvested in the fall after 3-4 years and used mainly to help harmonize the herbs used in formulas and also for detoxifying poisonous herbs, very high doses over a long time are not recommended due to its steroidal compounds.

Plant = $5.25

#21160 Hibiscus trionum, ye xi gua miao, wild watermelon sprout, Malvaceae - Easy annual with soft creamed colored flowers that bloom most of the summer through fall, grow in sun in neutral soil; whole plant is said to clear heat and relieve toxins, internally to treat acute rheumatoid arthritis, cough with cold/flu, externally for burns, seeds are used to tonify/nourish the kidneys.

Plant = $5.00

#21480 Hippeastrum 'papilio', Butterfly amaryllis, Amaryllidaceae. - Exotially different species from Argentina with glossy everygreen leaves, petals are ivory tinged lime colored and heavily striped with cranberry; grow bulb in well drained soil, in full sun to partial shade, hardy in Zone 9-10.

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Plant = $10.00

 #20420 Hypericum chinense, jin si tao, Guttiferae - This pretty perennial stands about 3' with oval leaves and grows in well-drained soil in sun, yellow flowers bloom in summer; leaves are said to be used for snake bites, bee stings and wounds; roots are said to be used for wind and damp, low back pain from wind and damp, clears heat and reduces toxins, used for arthritic type pains, swelling, edema, stiffness.

Plant = $4.75

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 #20430 Hypericum patulum, jin si mei, metal silk plum, Guttiferae - Original material collected in Yunnan, also called "mang zhong hua"; this perennial grows in well-drained soil in sun, lobed green leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in summer; roots are said to be bitter, spicy and cold, clears heat and toxins, relax the tendons (tissues of the liver), moves blood, promote lactation, moves blockages, colds and flu, diarrhea, urinary difficulty and pain (as in infections), hepatitis.

Plant = $4.75

#21440 Hypericum perforatum, St. John's wort, Guttiferae - Perennial evergreen shrub, yellow conspicuous flowers bloom in summer, grow in well drained soil in full sun. Yields red dye, hypericin, used as an antidepressant.

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Plant = $4.00

#20600 Houttuynia cordata, yu xing cao, Saururaceae - Very hardy Chinese native; aromatic, aquatic herb grows in moist to wet soil, can withstand shallow water in partial shade, white bract- like flowers bloom in summer, rich autumn color; whole plant in said to be used for upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract problems, externally for skin disorders, used in Vietnamese cooking.

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Plant = $4.25

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#21450 Impatiens balsamina, ji xing zi, touch me not, Balsaminaceae- Large annual with red, salmon, coral to white flowers, re-seeds easily, grow in rocks to well-drained soil in sun; dried seed is said to disperse stagnant blood, increases uterine contradiction, promotes contraception, removes toxin, disperses tumor.

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Plant = $3.50

Seed = $3.00

#20440 Indigofera suffruticosa, jia lan dian, false blue indigo, Leguminosae - Source of bluish-black dye, which is made from steeping and fermenting leaves just before the plant flowers, perennial grows 3-5' in well-drained soil in sun, woody stemmed with compound leaves that close up at night, small flowers bloom in summer; stems, leaves and seeds are said to be bitter and cold, cools blood, relieves toxins, stops nose bleeds, also for skin itching and skin eruptions.

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Plant = $4.25

#20870 Inula japonica, xuan fu hua, Japanese elecampane, Compositae - Original seed from IMPLAD in Beijing; sturdy perennial has upright stems and thick rhizomes, yellow daisy-like flowers bloom in summer into fall, grows 8-12" in moist well-drained soil in sun, native to wetlands in China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria; flowers are said to be used as an expectorant and have antibacterial properties, stimulates the digestive system.

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Plant = $5.00

Seed = $3.00

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#20450 Isatis indigotica, ban lan gen, woad root, Cruciferae/Brassicaceae - Original seed from IMPLAD in Beijing and is the main/correct/true plant used for ban lan gen; thick, pale green leaves that seem to last forever, grow this perennial in rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in sun, clusters of yellow flowers are the first to bloom in spring, move every two years for best results; pigment, root and leaves are said to be used for fevers, clearing heat and toxins heat rash, sore throat, abscesses and swellings, recent research suggests antiviral effects.

Plant = $4.25

#21220 Jasminum mesnyi, ye ying chun, Primrose jasmine, Oleaceae - Native to warm temperate areas of China and found in ravines and woods; rambling evergreen shrub, glabrous branches with shining green leaves and showy free-flowering yellow blossoms; grow in rich well drained soil in part sun.

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Plant = $5.00

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#20460 Jasminum polyanthum, duo hua su xin, jasmine, Oleaceae - Vines are woody and twining with angular opposite leaves, grow in well-drained soil in sun, exquisitely scented white flowers bloom in summer, grows in valleys, thickets and woods in Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan, has a long history of use in perfumery, medicine and for flavoring tea, cultivated for aromatic oil; in traditional Chinese medicine the whole plant is used or just the flowers and is said to clear heat, relieve toxins, stops infections, moves blood, regulates qi.

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Plant = $4.75

#21380 Kalanchoe pinnata, air plant, Crassulaceae - Primarily from Africa and Asia this herbaceous plant has thick, succulent, scalloped leaves with dark red or purple edges, inflorescence consists of a large number of green and purple flowers; cultivated as an ornamental grow in rich sandy soil in sun; leaves are said to be used in treating boils, internal bruises and broken bones, intestinal problems, also used to promote the healing of sores.

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Plant = $5.00

#20780 Kalanchoe verticillata, hanging bell/cups, Crassulaceae - Everyone comments on this unique succulent from the Guangxi Botanical Gardens, originally from Africa and Madagascar, plant name is yang diao zhong; stout and slender with fleshy green speckled leaves, beautiful clusters of salmon-orange belled flowers bloom in winter; grow in rich, sandy soil in sun; whole plant is said to be used to clear heat and relieves toxins, external use for burns, wounds from scalds; also external for injuries with bleeding.

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Plant = $6.00

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 #20470 Kochia scoparia, di fu zi, broom cypress, Chenopodiaceae - This annual resembles a miniature pine tree with a red trunk, grows about 2' in rich moist soil in sun, keep under control because it will self-seed, fruit is said to be used to promote urination, stop itching, also clears heat and eliminates dampness.

Plant = $3.25

#20480 Leonurus heterophyllus, yi mu cao, Chinese motherwort,Labiatae/Lamiaceae - Erect annual from China with branched stems and deep green veined leaves, small white or reddish purple flowers bloom in late summer; grows to about 3' in well-drained, moist soil in sun or part shade, research has proved that it has calming properties and all species are thought to have similar properties; whole plant is said to invigorate blood, diuretic, the seeds are also used as medicine "chong wei zi" and have similar properties including as an internal tea for cataracts.

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Plant = $4.25

Seed = $3.00

#20490 Leonurus sp. (L. sibiricus?), xi ye yi mu cao, Chinese motherwort, Labiatae/Lamiaceae - This species is the same in appearance as the L. heterophyllus material although there are slight differences in the flowers of the two species, growing requirements are also the same; first mentioned in the Illustrated Classic of the Materia Medica by Su Song in AD 106, it is considered unusual because it is one of the rare herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine by itself; whole plant is said to invigorate blood, regulates menstruation.

Plant = $4.25

Seed = $3.00

#20500 Ligusticum jeholense, gao ben, Chinese lovage root, Umbelliferae/Apiacea Resembles parsley in appearance but grows much bigger, original seed is from IMPLAD in Beijing; delicate white flowers bloom in spring, a hardy perennial that grows 3' in well-drained to dry soil in sun; roots are said to ease the aches and pains caused by cold, and poor circulation.

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Plant = $4.25

Seed = $3.00

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#21470 Lillium formosum, Liliaceae - This beautiful lily has numerous dark green, linear lance-shaped leaves, very fragrant white trumpet shaped flowers flushed with reddish purple bloom in summer, grow in moist, acidic soil, hardy, in Taiwan markets the dried seed is used as a substitute for birthwort.

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Plant = $5.00

#20520 Lithospermum sp. (probably L. erythrorhizon), zu cai, purple gromwell root, Boraginaceae - Roots of this perennial herb are dark red and contain an abundant supply of purple dye, grows naturally in meadows on slopes in the southern part of China, grow in well-drained soil in sun, said to have a sweet, salty flavor with a cold property, removes toxins, smoothes intestines, removes heat, cools blood, disperses swelling.

Plant = $4.50

Seed = $3.00

#20530 Lobelia chinensis, ban bian lian, Chinese lobelia, Campanulaceae -Creeping perennial with slender leaves, pale-purple flowers bloom in summer, grows to 8" in rich, moist, soil in sun or part shade, in its natural habitat it grows in damp fields and on the edges of ditches; said to be used for snake bites, and has antifungal properties, used by qualified practitioners only.

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Plant = $4.50

#21280 Lonicera japonica, jin yin hua, Japanese honeysuckle, Caprifoliaceae - Collected in Japan it's medicinal history dates to AD659, twining evergreen climber has ovate downy leaves, aromatic white flowers bloom in summer and fall, can become invasive, grow in well drained soil in sun to part shade; stems and floral buds are said to clear heat , relieves fire toxicity, upper respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, wound infections.

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Plant = $5.00

#21290 Lonicera japonica, Aureoreticulata, Caprifoliaceae - This honeysuckle cultivar has yellow veined leaves and provides nice color in the garden growing along a wall or on a trellis; grow in well drained soil in sun to part shade.

Plant = $5.50

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#20540 Lycium barbarum, gou qi zi and di gu pi, matrimony vine, Solanaceae - Ning Xia is a province in Northwestern China and the pinyin is also known as Ning Xia Gou Qi Zi and Di Gu Pi and refers to both L. barbarum and L. chinense. L. barbarum is considered the main species used for gou qi zi, however both can be used for gou qi zi and di gu pi; deciduous arching shrub with funnel shaped purple flowers that bloom in summer and turn to deep orange berries, grow in sandy, alkaline, moist, well-drained soil in sun; root bark is said to be used to lower blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, seeds are said to be used for menopausal complaints.

Plant = $5.00

Seed = $3.00

#21090 Lycopus lucidus, ze lan or di sun, marsh orchid, Labiatae - Tall slender stemmed perennial with nodes tinged purple-red, leaves are thin and toothed, tiny white flowers bloom at the nodes in summer; grows naturally in marshy areas, grasslands and streamsides; said to be used to promote movement of blood, and has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat menstrual pain, painful injuries, incontinence.

Plant = $4.50

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#21000 Melaleuca alternifolia, medicinal tea tree, Myrtaceae - Original seed is from an Australian source and native to New South Wales and Queensland; aromatic shrub or small tree with papery bark in several layers, pointed leaves up to 2" long, hardy to 32 degrees, grows 15- 22' in neutral to acid soil in sun, likes to stay on the moist side; said to be antiseptic and is effective against bacterial and fungal infections, invasive in tropics.

Plant = $7.00

#20550 Mentha sp. (probably M. haplocalyx?), bo he, Japanese mint, Labiatae/Lamiaceae -This aromatic, cooling perennial was collected near Lainguan Mt. in Kunming and grows vigorously in rich, moist soil in sun, small lavender flowers bloom in summer, attracts butterflies; whole plant is said to be used for fever, headache, cough, speeds recovery from rashes (such as measles), clears head and eyes, benefits throat.

Plant = $4.25

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#20570 Mentha arvensis var. canadensis, bo he, corn mint, Labiatae/Lamiaceae - Fragrant, hairy perennial grows 4-24" in rich moist soil in sun, lilac flowers bloom in summer, attracts butterflies, in its natural habitat it grows in wet areas in all provinces of Cambodia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and North America; source of the mint oil is used in cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, and oral preparations, said to be used mainly on the lung and liver energies.

Plant = $4.00

#20580 Mentha x gracilis, gingermint, Labiatae/Lamiaceae - A nice sweet smelling perennial with red-tinged leaves, grows 12-36" in rich moist soil in sun, lavender flowers bloom in summer, butterfly plant; considered a stimulant with a spicy, fruity aroma, said to be used for digestion and spasms, can be used fresh as a flavoring.

Plant = $4.00

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#20590 Mentha spicata, liu lan xiang, spearmint, Labiatae/Lamiaceae - Cultivated in China this herb is the source of spearmint oil, an essential oil used for flavoring candies, toothpaste, chewing gum; grows 12-36" in rich moist soil in sun, light lavender to white flowers bloom in summer; leaves are said to be spicy, sweet and warming, stops pain and clears colds and flu, used for cough, headache, abdominal pain and menses pain

Plant = $4.25

#20910 Momordica balsamina (aka M. charantia), ku gua, bitter melon, Cucurbitaceae - Climbing annual with rich, dark green leaves, small yellow flowers form deep colored orange fruits that split and reveal brown speckled seeds; original seed from the U.S. Botanical Gardens; trellis or grow along a fence in neutral soil in sun; said to clear heat and relieve toxins, Prof. Chen Chong-ming of Nanjing Institute of Botany has found it VERY good for blood sugar imbalances in diabetes and for obesity, also promising research is being conducted for use in patients with HIV and cancer.

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Plant = $5.00

Seed = $3.00

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#20560 Monarda fistulosa, wild bergamot, Labiatae/Lamiaceae - This pungent, aromatic perennial attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, it can grow to 48" in light, dry, alkaline soil in sun, lilac flowers bloom summer to fall; whole plant and leaves are used to stimulate the digestion and increase perspiration.

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Plant = $3.25