Nepalese smartweed (Polygonum nepalense)

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

Polygonum nepalense is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July 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 or wet soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tender young leaves and shots - raw or cooked as a vegetable. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Tender young leaves and shots - raw or cooked as a vegetable.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Usually common in damp shaded situations, 1700 - 2000 metres in Srinagar. Damp woods in mountains all over Japan. Exposed rocky slopes, 1200 - 4000 metres in Nepal. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)