Four O'clock Plant (Mirabilis multiflora)

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

Mirabilis multiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The dried root can be ground into a powder, mixed with cereal flours and used to make a bread. This bread is eaten to reduce the appetite. — The dried root can be ground into a powder, mixed with cereal flours and used to make a bread.; This bread is eaten to reduce the appetite.

Habitat & North American Range

Hillsides and mesas, often amongst rocks and shrubs. Gravelly or sandy soils, pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests at elevations of 300 - 2300 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)