Joint Weed (Polygonum barbatum)

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

Polygonum barbatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pungent flavour. — Tender young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable.; They have a somewhat pungent flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Depressions in shaded situations, 1700 - 1900 metres in the western Himalayas. Streamsides, wet areas and the sides of water from sea level to 1300 metres in wesern and southern China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)