Tien Ma (Gastrodia elata)

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

Gastrodia elata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or roasted. Large. — Root - raw or roasted.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in the mountains of N. Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)