Heartleaf, Fish Mint, Fish Wort, Chameleon Plant, Chinese Lizard Tail
Houttuynia cordata
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Edible leaves, stems, and roots, used in salads, stir-fries, and as a flavoring. Medicinal properties include anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Groundcover potential, especially the 'Chameleon Plant' cultivar with variegated leaves, can be ornamental but also invasive.
Permapeople description
Tsi (Houttuynia cordata) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia, specifically Japan, China, and Korea. It is often used in traditional medicine in those countries. The plant has distinctive heart-shaped leaves and small white or pink flowers. It grows to a height of about 30 cm and spreads rapidly through underground stems. It prefers damp, shady conditions and can be grown in a variety of soils. Tsi is not winter hardy and should be protected or brought indoors during cold weather. The plant is edible and the leaves, stems, and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be used in salads, soups, or stir-fries. The plant has a spicy, citrus-like flavor. In traditional medicine, Tsi is used to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, inflammation, and fever. It is also believed to have immune-boosting and detoxifying effects. Tsi can be used as a ground cover or in a water garden. It is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Botanical description
Houttuynia cordata is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Southeast Asia. It grows to 0.2-0.8 meters tall, spreading via rhizomes to form dense mats. The heart-shaped leaves are 4-9 cm long and 3-8 cm broad. The flowers are greenish-white and borne in terminal spikes with four white petal-like bracts. The plant has a distinctive fishy smell when crushed.
Companion planting
No widely documented beneficial or detrimental companion plants. Due to its potentially invasive nature, it's best planted in contained areas or monitored closely.
Propagation methods
Rhizome division, stem cuttings, seed sowing (though less common). Rhizomes can be easily divided in spring or fall. Stem cuttings root readily in water or moist soil.
History and traditions
Widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. In Vietnam, it is eaten raw as an herb. It has a long history of use as a diuretic, detoxifier, and anti-inflammatory agent in Asian cultures. Considered a symbol of resilience and adaptability in some regions.
Usage calendar
Flowering: Summer (June-August). Harvesting: Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season (Spring-Fall). Planting: Spring or Fall. Pruning: To control spread, can be pruned after flowering or as needed.