Japanese pearlwort (Sagina japonica)

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

Sagina japonica is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. — Leaves - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland to mountains all over Japan. Sandy riversides, uncultivated farmland, roadside grasslands, forests, streamsides and floodlands at elevations of 100 - 4000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)