Indian Shot (Canna indica)

Family: Cannaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Canna indica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet but fibrousy. — The source of 'canna starch', used as an arrowroot.; The arrowroot is obtained by rasping the root to a pulp, then washing and straining to get rid of the fibres.; The very young tubers are eaten cooked, they are sweet but fibrousy.; Roots contain about 25% starch.

Habitat & North American Range

Original habitat is obscure, but it is found by the coast and in temperate valleys of the Andes. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)