Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lycopus europaeus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. — Root - raw or cooked.; A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

By rivers, streams and ditches, also in marshes and fens. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)