Perennial Buckwheat (Fagopyrum dibotrys)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Fagopyrum dibotrys is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower in September. 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 Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, which has a distinct bitterness especially when eaten raw. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Boiled or steamed and used like spinach.; Of excellent quality according to one report, but we have been less than impressed by the flavour, which has a distinct bitterness especially when eaten raw.; The leaves are rich in rutin (see below for details of its uses) and so they do make a healthy addition to the diet.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and cultivated areas from Pakistan to S.W. China, 1500 - 3400 metres. Found alongside ditches on shady damp and fertile soils in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)