He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)

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

Polygonum multiflorum is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. Flowers. No more details are given. Root - cooked. It should be washed several times in order to leech out the bitterness. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.; No more details are given.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, north to latitude 42° 30' north. Along the banks of streams and in valley shrub thickets. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)