Polygonum equisetiforme

Sibth. & Smith

Gudhabah

Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring Potential hazards — see below 1,217 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

An evergreen perennial growing 1 m tall and wide, hardy to UK zone 8. Foliage remains year-round with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers blooming August to October. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH, including saline soils. Requires full sun and adapts to dry or moist conditions. Withstands strong winds but not coastal salt spray.

Description

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a flavouring for tea.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used as a condiment for tea. They are also used in relishes and chutneys.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Distribution

It grows in Mediterranean climates. It can grow in salty soils. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Armenia, Asia, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Bulgaria, Caucasus, Central Asia, Egypt, Europe, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Sinai, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. Somewhat tender in Britain, it is apt to be cut back in severe winters and should be given a position in a warm sunny corner. It probably tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame; germination is generally free and easy. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant out during summer if they have reached sufficient size, or overwinter in a cold frame and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in spring or autumn — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones do better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.