Brookweed (Samolus valerandi)

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

Samolus valerandi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavour. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; A rather bitter flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet places, especially near the sea, also in shallow water, avoiding acid soils and shade. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)