Friar's Cowl (Arisarum vulgare)

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

Arisarum vulgare is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from October to July, in flower in May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. The acrid juice should first be removed by thorough and repeated washing leaving behind a nutritious and innoxious residue. Thorough drying or cooking will also destroy any harmful elements of this root. — The acrid juice should first be removed by thorough and repeated washing leaving behind a nutritious and innoxious residue.; Thorough drying or cooking will also destroy any harmful elements of this root.; The root is frequently used as an emergency food in times of scarcity, it is about the size of a walnut.; One report suggests that the leaves might be edible.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places, open ground and rocky ground. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)