The Primulaceae, or primrose family, includes far more than ornamental spring flowers. It contains useful plants with edible leaves, edible flowers, medicinal traditions, and practical garden value. Well-known members such as Primula vulgaris and Primula veris offer edible blossoms and…
Clover is not just one plant. The common name “clover” is used for a wide range of species—some closely related, others only loosely connected—that share similar leaves, flowers, or uses. Many belong to the Fabaceae (pea family), while a few…
Amaranth is both an ancient cultivated grain and a highly nutritious leafy vegetable. Several species of Amaranthus are rated 5/5 for edibility in the Plants For A Future (PFAF) database. These plants produce protein-rich seeds, mineral-dense greens, and thrive in…
Hyssop is a small evergreen shrub in the mint family growing to 0.6m (2ft) and native to Southern Europe and the Middle East. Is Hyssop Edible? The leaves, young shoot tips and flowers have an intensely aromatic flavour, somewhat like…
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…
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…
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…
Edible Perennial Groundcovers Daylilies are hardy evergreen or herbaceous perennials with large and attractive funnel-shaped blooms in late spring or early summer, similar to lily flowers. They are straightforward to grow, with many forms tolerant of almost total neglect. All…
