Hopi tea greenthread (Thelesperma gracile)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Thelesperma gracile is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste. — No further details are given.; A tea is made from the leaves and dried flowers.; The flowers and leaf tips are dried in an oven and then boiled for a very short time.; When well made it is delicious, with just a hint of mint in its aftertaste.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry plains, prairies and roadsides. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)