Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)

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

Mercurialis perennis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods and shady places, usually in beech and oak woods, avoiding acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)