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IIIFolio · plant profile№ DC87edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Cacalia auriculata

Cacalia auriculata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleperennialedibleedible leafperennialshade tolerant
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Cacalia auriculata (Cacalia auriculata) — botanical photograph
Pl. DC87 — Cacalia auriculata
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Overview

Cacalia auriculata, a perennial plant native to regions including the Aleutian Islands, Amur, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Islands, and other areas of East Asia, is adapted to partial sun or shade with moist conditions, thriving in various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Growing up to 1.2 meters tall, this plant is valued for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked and are commonly used in stir-fries or soups, adding a mild flavor to dishes. While not medicinal, Cacalia auriculata is an important part of the local flora and can be cultivated for its culinary uses. Cultivation is straightforward, with the plant thriving in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. For propagation, seeds or division of established plants can be used.

Quick answers

What is Cacalia auriculata?

Cacalia auriculata, a perennial plant native to regions including the Aleutian Islands, Amur, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Islands, and other areas of East Asia, is adapted to partial sun or shade with moist conditions, thriving in various soil types

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Cacalia auriculata thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested for culinary use.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cacalia auriculata for the first time

8steps

Start with Cacalia auriculata as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small plant or seeds, a container if planting in pots, and basic gardening tools.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Cacalia auriculata in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for perennials.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants into your garden bed or pots, ensuring they are spaced about 1 meter apart to allow room for growth.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial sun or full shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth. Leaves can be harvested as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, and neglecting to mulch are common issues beginners should avoid.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Cacalia auriculata are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in stir-fries or soups, adding a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

22 native · 2 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 22 native· 2 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)FranceItaly
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSaudi ArabiaSouth Korea
Africa6 regions
native (6)EswatiniKenyaMalawiMozambiqueTanzaniaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Amur, Cape Provinces, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., KwaZulu-Natal, Magadan, Northern Provinces, Primorye, Sakhalin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Cacalia auriculata (Cacalia auriculata) — botanical photograph
Cacalia auriculata (Cacalia auriculata)
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Explore further

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