Desert Gum (Lygodesmia juncea)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Lygodesmia juncea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

A gum from the seeds is used for chewing. Other reports say that the gum is obtained from the flowering stems. Another report says that the roots were left in the sun until the gum came out and hardened, and this was then used for chewing. — A gum from the seeds is used for chewing.; Other reports say that the gum is obtained from the flowering stems.; Another report says that the roots were left in the sun until the gum came out and hardened, and this was then used for chewing.

Habitat & North American Range

Prairies and plains, especially in sandy soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)