Purpurea False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina purpurea)

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

Smilacina purpurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 and neutral soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tender young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable. — Tender young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and thickets at elevations of 3200 - 4000 metres in western China. Dense Betula and Sorbus forests at elevatios of 2600 - 4200 metres in Nepal. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)