Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla)

Family: Gentianaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Gentiana macrophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bumblebees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails. — An emergency food, used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Steppes and glades in light woods. Stream and river banks, roadsides, grassland slopes, wet meadows, forest margins, forests at elevations of 400 - 2400 metres.. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)