JIAO GU LAN (GYNOSTEMMA PENTAPHYLLUM)

Jiaogulan is an easy-to-grow herbaceous (non-woody) perennial vine. The above-ground portion is tender to frost, but once established, the plant is root-hardy to at least zero degrees F. It has inconspicuous flowers (male and female on separate plants) and attractive foliage.

It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and sun or part shade (more shade in southern areas).

It will climb, by means of tendrils, twenty feet or more up a trellis, or into shrubs or trees; or it can be grown as a ground cover.

Jiaogulan will spread slowly by rhizomes, and if allowed to run on the ground the vines will root down in moist soil and can be separated to increase your planting. Once established, jiao can become invasive, particularly in warm areas; spread can be limited by planting it in a large container.

The entire above-ground plant is used medicinally, fresh or dried, prepared as tea.

Harvest the plant before cold weather, dry, and store for winter use.

The plant will disappear after frost. A layer of mulch is advisable in cold areas. It will emerge again when soil warms in the spring. In frost-free areas it may grow all year.