Edible Phytolacca (Phytolacca esculenta)

Family: Phytolaccaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phytolacca esculenta is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - they must be cooked and are used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic with age. Root - cooked. — Leaves - they must be cooked and are used as a spinach.; Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic with age.

Habitat & North American Range

Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)