Polygonum alpinum

All.

Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds Potential hazards — see below

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Hardy perennial reaching 1 m tall and wide with a spreading habit. Flowers from June to July with hermaphrodite blooms pollinated by insects. Grows well in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil. Hardy to UK zone 5.

Description

Edible Uses

Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have an acid flavour that works well as a sorrel substitute. Chopped leaves and stems have been added to a thick pudding of flour and sugar. The leaf stems, raw or cooked with the same acid character, can be cut into sections and prepared like rhubarb. Juice from the plant can be sweetened to make a refreshing drink. The seed is edible raw or cooked, though small and fiddly to use.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is astringent. Raw roots and stem bases have been chewed as a remedy for coughs and colds.

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 is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Caucasus, Georgia, Mongolia, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Grows well near water. Repays generous treatment. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Plants can be invasive but they are easily controlled by spading around the clump.

Propagation

Seed should be sown in spring in a cold frame, where germination is usually free and easy. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out during summer if sufficiently developed, or overwinter in a cold frame and plant out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn is very easy. Larger divisions can be planted 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.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Synonyms

P. undulatum

Also Known As

Elayaz

References (3)

Bussman, R. W., et al, 2016, A comparative ethnobotany of Khevsureti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Tusheti, Svaneti, and Racha-Lechkhumi, Republic of Georgia (Sakartvelo), Caucasus. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.
Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List of wild edible plants in Mongolian cuisine