Water Smartweed (Polygonum coccineum)

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

Polygonum coccineum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Used in the spring. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Young shoots - cooked.; Used in the spring.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Ponds and damp ground by streams, lakes etc. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)