Japonicum Gnaphalium (Gnaphalium japonicum)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Gnaphalium japonicum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails. — Young leaves - cooked.; A famine food, used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Sunny places in lowland and mountains, C. and S. Japan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)