Italian Corn Salad (Valerianella eriocarpa)

Family: Valerianaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Valerianella eriocarpa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. 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 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: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture, they make an excellent ingredient of mixed salads and can be eaten in quantity. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; The leaves have a very mild flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture, they make an excellent ingredient of mixed salads and can be eaten in quantity.; The leaves can be available all year round from successional sowings, and will only need protection in colder winters.; When grown in rich soils larger leaves are produced that can be used as a potherb.

Habitat & North American Range

Old walls and banks in Britain. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)