Siberia-kugai-so
Veronicastrum sibiricum

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has rhizomes or underground stems. It grows 13 cm tall. The stems are erect and simple. The leaves are in rings or 4-6. They are oblong and 8-15 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are at the top of the plant. They are red or purple. They are tube shaped. The fruit is an oval capsule 3.5 mm long.

Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In north China it grows on grassy slopes and in thickets below 2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Slovenia

How it is used for food

The young stems and leaves are eaten raw. They are also roasted in oil or use in soups. The flower spikes are eaten as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Veronica sibirica L.;