Wholesale Fo-ti / He-shou-wu

01.
Fo-ti / Ho-shou-wu: Where in the World

habitat and range for fo ti

Fo ti (ho-shou-wu) root is native to native to central and southern China, also grown in Japan and Taiwan.

02.
Fo-ti / Ho-shou-wu: A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on fo ti

description
Fo ti is a herbaceous perennial vine of the Polygonaceae family that grows to 2–4 m tall from a woody tuber. The leaves are 3–7 cm long and 2–5 cm broad, broad arrowhead-shaped, with an entire margin. The flowers are 6–7 mm diameter, white or greenish-white, produced on short, dense panicles up to 10–20 cm long in summer to mid autumn. The fruit is an achene 2.5–3 mm long.

common names & nomenclature
The Mandarin Chinese word for fo ti is he shou wu, which means, “black-haired man.” This name is in reference to the Chinese herbalist, Li Ching Yuen.

Also known as:
ho-shou-wu, fo-ti-tieng, chinese knotweed, flowery knotwood, climbing knotweed, fallopia multiflora

03.
Fo-ti / Ho-shou-wu: Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting fo ti

climate
Fo ti grows along the banks of streams and in valley shrub thickets in sun or part shade.

soil
Fo ti grows in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil.

growing
Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually easy. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and plant them in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, over winter in a cold frame and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Propagate by division in spring or autumn.

harvesting
Fo ti (ho-shou-wu) roots are harvested in the autumn, preferably from plants 3-4 years old, and are dried for later use as slices or a powder.

preserving
Store dried Fo ti powder or dried Fo ti slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
Fo-ti / Ho-shou-wu: The Rest of the Story

fo ti history, folklore, literature & more

Please note: Our Fo-Ti Slices and powder have been cured by simmering in a black bean liquid. These are not unprocessed roots.

Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum), also known as Chinese Knotweed, is a sprawling vine native to the lush landscapes of China, Japan, and Taiwan. In Mandarin, it is famously called He-Shou-Wu, a name that translates to "black-haired man." This poetic title stems from a rich tradition of Chinese folklore surrounding the herb's place in historical wellness rituals.

Much of the plant's fame is tied to the legendary story of Li Ching Yuen. According to historical anecdotes and various accounts in early 20th-century publications like Time and The New York Times, Li was celebrated for his vitality and supposed longevity. While the specific details of his age remain a subject of mystery and cultural debate, his "secrets" to a well-balanced life were famously recorded as maintaining a tranquil mind, sitting with the poise of a tortoise, and staying active.

Today, Fo-ti remains one of the most storied botanicals in traditional herbalism. It is prized by those who appreciate its deep connection to these ancient philosophies of balance and heritage. Whether used in its "prepared" form or as part of a traditional blend, Fo-ti continues to be a cornerstone for those honoring time-tested botanical traditions.