Kenilworth Ivy (Cymbalaria muralis)

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

Cymbalaria muralis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pungent like cress. — The leaves have been used in salads, being acrid and pungent like cress.; We find them rather bitter and not very pleasant, though they are available all year round and so might be useful in the winter.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Walls and other well-drained sites, shady rocks and woods, usually on calcareous soils. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)