Redmaids (Calandrinia ciliata menziesii)

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

Calandrinia ciliata menziesii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in oil and was often collected in large quantities by native North American Indian tribes. — Leaves and young shoots - raw, cooked or used as a garnish.; The leaves contain oxalic acid and so some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; Seed - raw or ground into a meal.; The seed can also be cooked as a piñole.

Habitat & North American Range

Open grassy places and cultivated fields. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)