Canaigre (Rumex hymenosepalus)

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

Rumex hymenosepalus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasting tannin. — Young leaves - cooked as a pot-herb.; They are usually cooked in several changes of water to remove the bitter-tasting tannin.; Leaf stems - cooked.; Crisp and tart, they are excellent when used in pies like rhubarb.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy places below 1500 metres in California. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)