Thymeleaf Sandmat (Euphorbia serpyllifolia)

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

Euphorbia serpyllifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweeten it. — They are chewed (by women!) and then mixed with corn meal to sweeten it.; One report says that the women would keep the root in their mouths for two days, only taking it out when taking refreshments or sleeping.; At the end of that time as much cornmeal as possible was placed in the mouth and held there, without chewing, until the build-up of saliva forced ejection of the mass.; (Saliva contains certain enzymes that convert starches to sugars and so it will sweeten corn meal on its own.) The chewed root acts like a yeast preparation and has been used in making cakes.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy or alluvial soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)