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1.Patrinia — Overview
Patrinia scabiosifolia, commonly referred to as scabious-leaf patrinia or yellow patrinia, is an elegant herbaceous perennial belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. This resilient plant is indigenous to East Asia, flourishing across regions including China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia. It is distinguished by its vibrant clusters of small, bright yellow flowers, which provide a cheerful display from mid-summer through autumn.
Typically reaching heights of 60 to 120 cm, Patrinia scabiosifolia features erect, often branched stems that contribute to its upright habit. Its foliage consists of pinnately compound leaves, each comprising 5 to 9 ovate to lanceolate leaflets with serrated margins, arranged oppositely along the stem. The plant develops a robust fibrous root system, frequently culminating in a thickened taproot, which is the primary part valued in traditional medicinal practices.
Scabious-leaf patrinia thrives in well-drained soils and exhibits adaptability to various light conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade. Beyond its therapeutic applications, it is a cherished ornamental plant, celebrated for its extended blooming period and its significant role in attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to gardens and naturalized landscapes. Its hardiness and aesthetic appeal make Patrinia scabiosifolia a valuable addition to horticultural settings, while its deeply rooted history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been historically associated with the name 'Xuan Shen', underscores its pharmacological importance.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Patrinia scabiosifolia:
Patrinia should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Patrinia — Key Features
- Botanical Name — Patrinia scabiosifolia, commonly known as scabious-leaf patrinia.
- Family — Belongs to the Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) family.
- Native Range — Indigenous to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Russia.
- Flower Characteristics — Produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers from summer to autumn.
- Medicinal Part — The thickened taproot is the primary part used in traditional medicine.
- Traditional Use — Historically associated with 'Xuan Shen' in TCM for heat-clearing and detoxification.
- Key Actions — Possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and detoxifying properties.
- Growth Habit — Herbaceous perennial, growing 60-120 cm tall with erect, branched stems.
- Leaf Morphology — Pinnately compound leaves with serrated, ovate to lanceolate leaflets.
- Ecological Value — Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
1.2.Patrinia — Quick Summary
- Patrinia scabiosifolia is an East Asian perennial known for yellow flowers and medicinal roots.
- Traditionally used as 'Xuan Shen' for clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing swelling.
- Rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids, and iridoids, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects.
- Commonly prepared as decoctions or tinctures for various internal and external applications.
- Requires caution during pregnancy, lactation, and in individuals with bleeding disorders.
- Valued ornamentally for its long bloom time and ability to attract pollinators.
2.Patrinia — Scientific Identity
3.Patrinia — Categories & Tags
4.Patrinia — Appearance & Identification
5.Patrinia — Water Requirements
- Soil Preference — Patrinia scabiosifolia thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, ideally a sandy loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- Light Requirements — Prefers full sun to partial shade; in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch.
- Watering — Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Propagation — Can be propagated by seed in spring or autumn, or by division of established clumps in early spring or fall.
- Hardiness Zones — Generally hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.
- Maintenance — Low maintenance; deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding, though some self-seeding can be desirable.
- Pest and Disease — Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, making it a robust garden plant.
- Spacing — Plant individual specimens about 30-45 cm apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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