Aphyllum Calligonum (Calligonum aphyllum)

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

Calligonum aphyllum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. An edible gum or mucilage is obtained from the leaves. The pounded root furnishes an edible mucilaginous substance resembling gum tragacanth (see Ferula species). One report says that the plant has an edible fruit. — Young shoots - cooked.; An edible gum or mucilage is obtained from the leaves.; The pounded root furnishes an edible mucilaginous substance resembling gum tragacanth (see Ferula species).; One report says that the plant has an edible fruit.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy soils in dry arid regions. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)