Re: Cryptotaenia japonic atropurpurea

> I just purchased this plant.  Does any one know the requirements it
> needs?  The label says I can eat it.  Do I want to?

Hi Nancy,

   I don't know about eating it, but it sure *looks* good enough to eat.
   The straight species can cause severe skin irritation in some folks
   (kind of like cow parsley does), so I wouldn't go grazing any time
   soon.

   I love this plant, especially when grown with Carex elata 'Aurea' and
   Eupatorium coelestinum.  I planted a few a couple of years ago and
   am left with only one.  This one is in a dry (but not barren) spot
   that gets a few hours of afternoon sun.  The soil there is typical
   Midwestern clay amended with compost a few years back, topped off
   with a thin layer of mulch.

   The other ones that I planted were in shadier locales with richer,
   moister soil.  They didn't even last a single season.  :(

   I've read that it's a short-lived perennial, but mine did set seed last
   year.  Maybe I'll have some more sometime soon...

Chris (zone 5b USDA)

http://www.hort.net/gallery/      2656 online plant photos and growing!
http://www.hort.net/gallery/date/2002-05-12/       The latest additions

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