Akebia species are vigorous twining, semi-evergreen climbing shrubs with edible fruit available in autumn. Chocolate Vine (A. quinata), growing to 12m (40ft) or more, twines into trees and shrubs. It is very amenable to trimming in early spring. The root…
Ipomoea aquatica Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as the water morning glory or Kangkong, is a perennial flowering plant. It is native to moist areas of the Americas, where it grows in water or wet soils. I. aquatica can reach up…
Ground Elder has a long history of edible and medicinal use; indeed, it was cultivated as a food crop and medicinal herb in the Middle Ages. It was used mainly as a food that could counteract gout, one of the…
Birch species are small to medium-sized deciduous hardwood trees or shrubs. They are fast-growing, relatively short-lived pioneer species that often invade bare land. The root pattern is a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots. Birch species…
We’ve included five of our favourite Prostrate Edible Shrubs in a quick reference guide. Each plant card links to the original PFAF plant page. The quick reference guide includes: Height in Feet and Metres The Hardiness Zone Light and…
Partridge Berry is an excellent creeping groundcover for a shady spot on neutral to acid soils that succeed in the shade of trees. It is prostrate, growing to 0.1 m (4in). As the plant creeps, the stems form new roots…
Alfalfa, also called lucerne, is a medium-sized nitrogen-fixing perennial in the legume family cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries. Ancient Greeks and Romans produced Alfalfa as livestock fodder. It is excellent green manure and a cover crop. …
Balsamroot sunflower is a small attractive perennial growing to 0.3m (1ft), making an excellent groundcover. Is Balsamroot sunflower edible? You can eat raw or cooked young shoots and add them to salads or use them as a herb. Boil large…
This beautiful climbing plant is only hardy in the milder areas of the UK, where it can reach a height of 6 ft or more. It flowers freely in late summer and then dies down with the first hard frosts…
Native to Europe, including the UK. Introduced to North America. The European Beech, or Common Beech, is a large deciduous tree growing to 30m (100ft) by 15m (50ft) with a trunk that can reach 3m (10ft) in diameter. They can…
