Northern bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lycopus uniflorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or cooked. The roots were a staple food for some native North American Indian tribes. The crisp white tubers can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups etc. — Root - raw or cooked.; The roots were a staple food for some native North American Indian tribes.; The crisp white tubers can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups etc.; When boiled for a short time they are said to make an agreeable vegetable, somewhat like Chinese artichokes (Stachys affinis).

Habitat & North American Range

Low, wet or boggy ground in the north of its range, wet woodland in the south. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)