Smilacina racemosa
False spikenard, False solomon’s seal
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Smilacina racemosa.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral
Shade, Partial shade
Usage properties
Fruit
None
Description
Fruit: can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into jellies and molasses. Although the fruits are smaller than peas, the plant produces many of them, making them easy to harvest. They have a delicious bittersweet flavor and are packed with vitamins. The fruit is sometimes used to prevent scurvy. An excess of raw fruit can have a laxative effect, especially if your body is not accustomed to it, so be cautious. This effect largely disappears if you cook the fruit. Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked. The young shoots that appear in the spring can be cooked and serve as a substitute for asparagus. The root of the plant can be eaten boiled, but it must first be soaked in alkaline water to remove the unpleasant taste. Afterward, it can be eaten like potatoes or pickled.