Codonopsis pilosula - DANG SHEN, bell bindweed 

An important plant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).   

Fine, hairy, climbing stems. Can grow up to 3 metres tall. It produces pretty, greenish, lightly striped bell flowers, which are also very popular with wasps. The seed capsule is pentagonal and contains many tiny brown seeds.   

We grow the Dang Shen on trellises between boysenberries and blackberries, where they feel very much at home. A semi-shady location is perfect for growth. Cold tolerant to at least -25 degrees Celsius.   Perennial plants that sprout again and again from the rhizome in spring.   

In TCM, the dried rhizome is prescribed and used against anaemia, loss of appetite and tiredness.