Chinese Rubia (Rubia chinensis)

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

Rubia chinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is used when all else fails. — A famine food, it is used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Deciduous forests at elevations of 500 - 1600 metres in mountains all over Japan. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)