Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)

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

Atractylodes macrocephala is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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). .

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Pastures and waste ground. Grassland and forests at elevations of 600 - 2800 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)