Kerria japonica Bachelor's button (Rosaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Kerria japonica
Bachelor's button
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Kerria japonica plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. A rare garden escape in Britain. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bachelor's button.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Kerria japonica
Common Name:  Bachelor's button
Family:  Rosaceae
Author:  (L.)DC.

Known Hazards:  The leaves contain small quantities of hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid). In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  By rivers and on rocks in gorges in the mountains[184].

Propagation Notes: Seed - we have no details on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in a cold frame, it is likely to require a period of cold stratification. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of suckers, removed with care from established plants during the dormant season[200]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings of young shoots. Young basal shoots in early summer work quite well. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Layering.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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