Plantain lily
Hosta sieboldiana var. montana

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A clump forming lily like plant. It grows 100 cm high and spreads 100 cm wide. The leaves are broad and deep green. The leaves taper top a point. The leaves have heavy veins. The leaves are 30 cm long. The flowers are grey to white. The flower stems are leafy.

There are 70 Hosta species. Also put in the family Hostaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Japan it grows in wet places in the mountains. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Japan

How it is used for food

It can be eaten raw. It is used in salads.

It is a common vegetable in Japan.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kiboushi, Oba giboshi, Urui

Synonyms

Hosta liliiflora (F. Maek.) Araki; Hosta montana F. Maek.; and others