Polygonum limosum

Kom.

Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds Potential hazards — see below

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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RSA - California Botanic Garden Herbarium (RSA-RSA)

Summary

A perennial herb growing to 1.8 meters tall, flowering July to August with seeds maturing August to September. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils and tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun with a preference for moist soil conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

Young shoot tips can be eaten raw or cooked, though this plant is considered an emergency food, used when other options have been exhausted. Seeds are also edible raw or cooked, though they are small and fiddly to use.

Traditional Uses

The tips of the shoots are eaten, presumably cooked.

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 is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Manchuria,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade. Repays generous treatment. 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 and is very straightforward — 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.