She Chuang Zi (Cnidium monnieri)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Cnidium monnieri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves are used as a condiment. Young shoots. No further details are given, but some caution is suggested because of a report of slight toxicity. — The leaves are used as a condiment.; No further details are given, but some caution is suggested because of a report of slight toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Field edges and the sides of ditches in China. Riparian meadows and field margins in most of China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)