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Oxyria digyna

Oxyria digyna
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Oxyria digyna (Oxyria digyna) — botanical photograph
Pl. 29C5 — Oxyria digyna
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Overview

Oxyria digyna, commonly known as knotweed or rockfoil, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant thrives in moist soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure, making it adaptable to various growing conditions such as forests, rocky areas, and along streams. Known for its edible leaves, which are often used in salads or cooked like spinach, Oxyria digyna is also recognized for its ornamental value due to its attractive green foliage. The plant features small, inconspicuous flowers that form dense clusters, adding a subtle touch of color to the landscape. Oxyria digyna can grow up to 0.5 meters tall and adapts well to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Its hardiness ranges from zone 2 to zone 8, making it suitable for cultivation in many temperate climates. The plant's ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and its ornamental value make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its small, inconspicuous flowers that form dense clusters, adding a subtle touch of color to the landscape. Another notable characteristic is its ability to grow up to 0.5 meters tall and adapt to a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Its hardiness ranges from zone 2 to zone 8, making it suitable for cultivation in many temperate climates. For culinary use, the edible leaves can be harvested and used raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in salads for their slightly bitter taste or steamed to mellow the flavor. Oxyria digyna thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. While not medicinal, this plant offers both edible and ornamental benefits, enhancing gardens and providing nutritious leaves for consumption.

Quick answers

What is Oxyria digyna?

Oxyria digyna, commonly known as knotweed or rockfoil, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Oxyria digyna thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 2-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.5 meters. This forb/herb can be propagated through division or seed. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 6 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers

How to grow Oxyria digyna for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple and hardy plant like Oxyria digyna for your first gardening experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small pot, quality potting soil, seeds or young plants.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring when the ground is workable or in late summer for cooler climates.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH between 6 and 8. Ensure your container has drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the soil surface, lightly cover them, and keep moist. Alternatively, plant young seedlings at the same depth they were in their original pot.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a spot with partial sun to avoid burning.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure good drainage. Fertilize sparingly if needed.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest young leaves for culinary use.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, and not providing enough drainage are common pitfalls.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Oxyria digyna are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in salads for their slightly bitter taste, or steamed to mellow the flavor. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

84 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 84 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIcelandIrelandItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia12 regions
native (12)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyUzbekistan
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Chita, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Føroyar, Idaho, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Lebanon-Syria, Magadan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Oregon, Québec, Sakhalin, South Dakota, Svalbard, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Utah, Washington, West Himalaya, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Oxyria digyna (Oxyria digyna) — botanical photograph
Oxyria digyna (Oxyria digyna)
XI

Explore further

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