Cupid's Shaving Brush (Emilia sonchifolia)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Emilia sonchifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable. The whole plant, including the flowers, can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are usually harvested and used before the plant flowers. — Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.; Used as a vegetable.; The whole plant, including the flowers, can be eaten raw or cooked.; The leaves are usually harvested and used before the plant flowers.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground in C. and S. Japan. Moist areas and uncultivated ground at elevations up to 1700 metres in Nepal. (Zone 8)