Velvetweed
Gaura parviflora
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
A herb. It can grow each year from seed or take 2 years to complete its lifecycle. It has a heavy taproot. The stems are erect and 30-200 cm tall. It is soft and has soft hairs. The leaves are greyish-green. The leaves at the base are 5-15 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The leaves on the stem are 2-13 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. There can be one or many flowers in a group. Flowers open at sunset.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in weedy areas between 100-800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), South America, USA
How it is used for food
The roots are stewed with meat or roasted and eaten.
Edible parts
Roots