He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) is a hardy perennial, hardy to zone 7 (i.e. 5 degree F).. As such, it may be one of those perennials that requires winter cold and winter dormancy in order to grow and thrive.. If it’s too warm in Fresno (i.e. doesn’t get down to freezing) it may not do well.. On the other hand, just some wintertime cold (but still above freezing) may be all it needs..
But I just looked up Fresno, and it said you’re in Zone 9, which gets down to as low as 20 degrees.. so if that’s the case, I would say it will grow there, or at least it’s worth trying.. In terms of other climatic conditions (e.g. summer water needs, or whether it’s too hot & dry, I don’t know, have never grown it myself)..
My ND, who does Chinese herbology, originally prescribe He Shou Wu for me in the form of a tincture made with the roots.. And I’ve made my own homemade tincture with the roots.. I have no experience with the leaf.. I would say a leaf tea would be very good medicine, and even a leaf-based tincture would be worth trying.. Have never grown it, though I know it’s a vine, and if it proliferates, you could get a good amount of leaf during the summer (you could probably harvest the leaf ongoing through the summer as it grows).. As far as tincture making goes — it’s best to air-dry the leaf to get the moisture out before macerating in alcohol..
Just my thoughts.. Hope this helps.. ?
