Purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

vegetable

Young shoots and tender leaves, cooked like a green vegetable; its pink spikes are steeped too.

Origin

Wetlands of Europe and Asia

Where to find it

Along ponds, ditches and rivers; the young shoots are picked before flowering.

Season (United States)

April to June

Preparation

The leaves and young shoots are rinsed and cooked for a few minutes, boiled, steamed or in a sauce; they are eaten cooked.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Introduced to North America, it has invaded marshes there to the point of being fought.