Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Atractylodes lancea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in vitamin A, it also contains 1. — Root - raw or cooked.; Exceedingly rich in vitamin A, it also contains 1.5% essential oils.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassland, forests, thickets and rock crevices at elevations of 700 - 2500 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)