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Description
Penthorum Chinense, also known as Chinese smartweed or five-stamen pennywort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. It is native to Asia and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along riverbanks. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has small white flowers that bloom from July to September. Penthorum Chinense is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, fever, and inflammation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Penthorum |
Appearance
Penthorum Chinense has a thin stem and lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately. The leaves are pale green and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small, about 1/8 inch in diameter, and have five white petals. They bloom in clusters at the end of the stems from July to September. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it spreads by rhizomes.
Care Guide
Water
Penthorum Chinense prefers moist soil and can grow in standing water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization
Penthorum Chinense does not require fertilization, but you can feed it once a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
Soil
Penthorum Chinense thrives in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining. It can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight
Penthorum Chinense prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones
Penthorum Chinense is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Penthorum Chinense is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust. To prevent these diseases, keep the plant’s foliage dry, and remove any infected leaves.
Habitat
Penthorum Chinense is native to Asia and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soil and can grow in standing water.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Penthorum Chinense deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Penthorum Chinense is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Penthorum Chinense be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Penthorum Chinense can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to spread its roots.
Q: How often should I divide Penthorum Chinense?
A: Penthorum Chinense can be divided every 3-4 years in the spring.
Q: Does Penthorum Chinense attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Penthorum Chinense attracts bees and butterflies with its small white flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Penthorum Chinense:
- Penthorum Sedoides
- Saxifraga
- Heuchera
- Tiarella
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/penthorum-chinense
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b752
- https://www.hortmag.com/plants/plants-we-love/chinese-smartweed-penthorum-chinense
