Caucasian spinach
Hablitzia tamnoides
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A very hardy vigorous semi shade loving edible herbaceous perennial climbing plant with mild spinach type leaves.
Hablitzia tamnoides is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3 m (9ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Mesic woodland habitats especially spruce and beech woods in its native environment, among rocks and in ravines and along rivers.
Origin: The Caucasus, the border of Europe and Asia
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Edible greens and shoots raw or cooked. Mild edible leaves similar to those of the related spinach. Add leaves to a salad. Leaves also used in soups, pies, pizza, indian and oriental food. Young shoots can be eaten.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
Originally introduced to gardens in Finland, Sweden and Norway as an attractive climbing ornamental.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
A woodland climber. Plant in a spot that gets sun for half the day ideally. Plants can tolerate sun for up to two thirds of the day. Will die back in the winter. Plants need something to climb on for example a bamboo trellis.
Propagating it: Seed. Germinate at very low temperatures in early spring. Seeds need to be stratified. Cild moist treatment improves germination. Division in autumn
Best place to grow:
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 3-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist