This woodland species in the lily family produces a delicious green spring vegetable. It should be harvested just prior to the leaves opening. The flavor is much like a mild asparagus or spinach and can be eaten fresh or lightly steamed. It has a little bit of an arugula bite to it and is not fibrous when young. Numerous cuttings in season can be taken as it has a large rootstock. Plant in light shade. Our seed source originally came from oak woodland in southwest Michigan where the plants grew to 5 ft. tall. Grown both from seed and cuttings at our farm. This is kind of cool species to grow in the shade.
| Plant Specs |
| Genus & Species |
Polygonatum biflorum var commutatum |
| Seed Source |
Michigan |
| Hardiness |
-30 |
| Height (ft) |
5 |
| Width (ft) |
1 |
| Soil |
Woodland species best in rich organic soil. |
| Climate |
Zone 4-8. |
| Ease of Cultivation |
In shade, an easy plant to grow which spreads slowly. Yields are low and fleeting offering a crop only in the spring like asparagus. The flavor is good and worth growing a patch even if it is only a nibble plant for you. |
