Four-leaf madder (Rubia jesoensis) — Edible Plant

Summary

Perennial plant growing to 0.6 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers blooming June to July. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland and prefers dry or moist soil.

Description

Perennial plant growing to 0.6 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers blooming June to July. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland and prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten after boiling.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in shady places.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan, Korea,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, as stored seed can be very slow to germinate. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for the first year, then plant out into permanent positions in early summer. Divide in spring or at any point during the growing season, keeping divisions well watered until established. Larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions; smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame, then planted out once well established in summer.