Asiatic tearthumb (Polygonum perfoliatum)

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

Polygonum perfoliatum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked. Used as a vegetable. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. The ripe fruits (seeds) are eaten fresh, especially by children. — Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked.; Used as a vegetable.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet thickets and by rivers in lowland all over Japan. Moist, open, uncultivated land at elevations of 900 - 1400 metres in Nepal. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)