Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

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

Fagopyrum esculentum is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in rutin (see below for more details) and so are a very healthy addition to the diet. — Leaves - raw or cooked like spinach.; Not that wonderful raw, they improve somewhat with cooking.; The leaves are rich in rutin (see below for more details) and so are a very healthy addition to the diet.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground as an escape from cultivation. Its original habitat is obscure. (Zone 6)