Barilla Plant. Oppositeleaf Russian Thistle (Salsola soda)

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

Salsola soda is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and stems - cooked and used as a vegetable. A crunchy tender texture. — Young leaves and stems - cooked and used as a vegetable.; A crunchy tender texture.

Habitat & North American Range

Maritime sands and salty soils near sea level in the Mediterranean and in Turkey. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)