Kuro-Giboshi (Hosta nigrescens)

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

Hosta nigrescens is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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

Habitat & North American Range

Rich fertile soils in mountain valleys and forest margins. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)