Deer Grass (Rhexia virginica)

Family: Melastomataceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Rhexia virginica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish slightly acid taste. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A sweetish slightly acid taste.; It makes a pleasant salad.; They can be chopped and added to salads or used as a pleasant nut-like nibble.

Habitat & North American Range

Peat, wet sands and gravels to 700 metres. Usually found in moist acid sandy soils. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)