Contents
Description
Sigesbeckia Orientalis, also known as Japanese St. Paul’s Wort, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The plant can grow up to 2 feet in height and has green, hairy leaves that are 2-4 inches long. It produces small, yellow flowers with a diameter of 0.5-0.75 inches. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, pain, and fever.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Sigesbeckia |
Appearance
The leaves of Sigesbeckia Orientalis are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape. They are dark green and hairy, with toothed margins. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers are arranged in small clusters at the end of the stems. The plant can grow up to 2 feet in height and has a spread of 1-2 feet. It has a bushy growth habit and can form clumps over time.
Care Guide
Sigesbeckia Orientalis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought once established. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sigesbeckia Orientalis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant. The plant can also attract aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Sigesbeckia Orientalis is native to East Asia and can be found in China, Japan, and Korea. The plant prefers sunny, open areas and can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. It is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields, and can tolerate drought once established.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sigesbeckia Orientalis a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, pain, and fever.
Q: Can Sigesbeckia Orientalis tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate drought once established.
Q: Does Sigesbeckia Orientalis attract pests?
A: The plant can attract aphids, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Sigesbeckia Orientalis?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Sigesbeckia pubescens
- Sigesbeckia jorullensis
- Sigesbeckia glabrescens
- Sigesbeckia orientalis ‘Atropurpurea’
References
- “Sigesbeckia orientalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287999.
- “Sigesbeckia orientalis.” Plant Finder. Accessed May 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/sigesbeckia-orientalis.
- “Sigesbeckia orientalis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18612/Sigesbeckia-orientalis/Details.
