Legousia pentagonia
Legousia pentagonia
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Pl. 3FA2 — Legousia pentagonia
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IOverview
Overview
Legousia pentagonia, commonly known as the five-angled legousia, is an annual herb native to regions including Bulgaria, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and parts of Turkey. This plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, thriving best at a pH between 7.5 and 8. Its edible leaves and shoots make it useful in culinary applications. One distinctive feature is its pentagonal-shaped seed pods, which add to the plant's ornamental value despite its primary use as an edible herb.
Quick answers
What is Legousia pentagonia?
Legousia pentagonia, commonly known as the five-angled legousia, is an annual herb native to regions including Bulgaria, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and parts of Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Legousia pentagonia thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). The plant is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection from extreme cold. It grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is an annual, producing edible leaves and shoots. Ensure the soil pH is between 7.5 and 8 for optimal growth. Propagate through seeds sown directly in the garden or started indoors. Regular watering is necessary to maintain moisture levels.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Legousia pentagonia for the first time
8steps
Start with Legousia pentagonia as an easy-to-grow annual for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 7.5–8 for containers; prepare garden soil that is light to heavy but moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant outdoors when the weather warms up and all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist; protect from strong sun until plants are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Legousia pentagonia are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor. Skip the detailed cooking methods as data on preparation is limited.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native· 1 introduced
Europe2 regions
native (2)BulgariaGreece
Asia4 regions
native (4)IranIraqPalestineTurkey
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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