Chinese Foxglove - Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

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

Rehmannia glutinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves. No further details are given. Root - cooked. Boiled nine times before it is eaten. This suggests that the root is somewhat toxic, or at least has a very bitter flavour. — No further details are given.; Boiled nine times before it is eaten.; This suggests that the root is somewhat toxic, or at least has a very bitter flavour.; Having boiled it nine times (and presumably throwing the water away each time), there is going to be very little left in the way of vitamins and minerals.

Habitat & North American Range

Well-drained stony ground along roadsides and in woods. Mountain slopes and trailsides from near sea level to 1100 metres. (Zone 8)