Sun Hemp (Crotalaria juncea)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Crotalaria juncea or commonly known as Sun Hemp is an evergreen shrub that reaches up to 2.5 m in height and 2 m in width. Its stem is erect with silky hairs on the branches. It has a strong taproot and the roots have root nodules. The leaves are spirally arranged, narrow, and simple. The pea-shaped flowers are yellow in colour. The fruit is a pod that is covered with soft hairs, short, inflated and light yellow in colour.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The leaves have been recorded as being eaten. The flowers are pickled. They are also cooked with meat and fish. — The leaves have been recorded as being eaten.; The flowers are pickled.; They are also cooked with meat and fish.

Habitat & North American Range

A tropical plant growing in open sunny positions. (Zone 10)