Doublegee (Emex australis)

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

Emex australis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). 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. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves cooked. The leaves contain oxalates and are laxative in large quantities. — Young leaves cooked.; The leaves contain oxalates and are laxative in large quantities.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in many habitats, especially grass plains. A weed of waste ground and pastures. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)