Willow Grass (Polygonum amphibium)

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

Polygonum amphibium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. The young shoots are eaten in the spring. Seed - cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; The young shoots are eaten in the spring.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers and canals, also on banks by the river. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)