Dog's Cabbage
Theligonum cynocrambe
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Pl. C8EA — Theligonum cynocrambe
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IOverview
Overview
Dog's Cabbage, scientifically known as Theligonum cynocrambe, is an annual plant native to regions across the Mediterranean and Middle East, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and parts of Greece and Turkey. This small plant, reaching a height of only 0.1 meters, thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. While primarily known for its edible leaves and shoots, Dog's Cabbage is also notable for its ability to grow in dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to diverse habitats.
Quick answers
What is Dog's Cabbage?
Dog's Cabbage, scientifically known as Theligonum cynocrambe, is an annual plant native to regions across the Mediterranean and Middle East, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and parts of Greece and Turkey. This small plant, reaching a height of only 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dog's Cabbage, or Theligonum cynocrambe, thrives in light to medium soil that can be sandy, loamy, or clayey. It prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. The plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist conditions; it should not be overwatered. Dog's Cabbage has a low light requirement, making it suitable for partial shade to full sun. As an annual, it grows to about 0.1 meters tall and produces edible leaves and shoots. Ensure the soil remains well-drained while keeping it consistently moist during its growing season. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through seeds.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Dog's Cabbage for the first time
7steps
Start with Dog's Cabbage as a simple annual plant, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Dog's Cabbage seeds or young plants, small pots for starting, a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Dog's Cabbage in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers have drainage holes if you're growing in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside, or buy young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide light shade to help seedlings establish. Transplant outdoors carefully once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Dog's Cabbage (Theligonum cynocrambe) is edible and its leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, these parts are prepared by boiling or steaming to add to salads or as a vegetable side dish. They can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 29 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpainUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)IranIraqPalestineTurkey
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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