Bluebeard (Clintonia borealis)

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

Clintonia borealis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish cucumber flavour. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Harvested in spring before they fully unfurl, they have a slightly sweetish cucumber flavour.; Older leaves can be used as a potherb.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich woodlands, deep thickets, higher elevations in cool moist sites. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)