Giant Knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense)

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

Polygonum sachalinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 3.6 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and we find that they are more like a rhubarb substitute. — Young shoots in spring - raw or cooked.; They can be added to salads or cooked as an asparagus substitute.; They have an acid flavour and we find that they are more like a rhubarb substitute.; Older stems and shoot tips - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Along ravines and by streams in montane areas of Sakhalin Island. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)