Himalayan Knotweed (Polygonum polystachyum)

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

Polygonum polystachyum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, often gregarious, 2000 - 4000 metres from Afghanistan to S.W. China. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)