Chinese Grass
Boehmeria nivea
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cook Is., Hainan, Japan, Kazan-retto, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicobar Is., Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Urticaceae
- Genus:
- Boehmeria
- Species:
- Boehmeria nivea
- USDA Symbol:
- BONI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 250 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green, white
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea), 🛑Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from deep rhizomes after fire or cutting.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Often propagated vegetatively from root divisions or stem cuttings.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.