White Bryony (Bryonia alba)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Bryonia alba is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June. 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 Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

One report says that the young shoots are edible, though caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity. The starch of the root is a famine food for extending bread flour after removing the acrid element. The young shoots are eaten. — One report says that the young shoots are edible, though caution is advised.; See the notes above on toxicity.; The starch of the root is a famine food for extending bread flour after removing the acrid element.; The young shoots are eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Vineyards and woods. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)