Ji Gu Chai (Elsholtzia fruticosa)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Elsholtzia fruticosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring foodstuffs. — The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs.; An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Grasslands, open hills, valleys; 1200-3200 m. Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)