Red Leg (Polygonum persicaria)

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

Polygonum persicaria is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. 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, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. They contain about 1.9% fat, 5.4% pectin, 3.2% sugars, 27.6% cellulose, 1% tannin. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.; They contain about 1.9% fat, 5.4% pectin, 3.2% sugars, 27.6% cellulose, 1% tannin.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp shady places. A common weed of cultivated land, avoiding shade. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)