Niu Xi (Achyranthes bidentata)

Family: Amaranthaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Achyranthes bidentata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. A good substitute for cereal grains in bread-making, they have often been used for this purpose in famine years. The light brown oblong seed is about 1mm long. Leaves - cooked. — A good substitute for cereal grains in bread-making, they have often been used for this purpose in famine years.; The light brown oblong seed is about 1mm long.; Used as a vegetable in the same manner as spinach.

Habitat & North American Range

Forest edges, the sides of streams and shrubberies. Moist shady places at elevations of 1200 - 3000 metres in Nepal. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)