Italian Corn Salad

Valerianella eriocarpa

Physical Characteristics

Valerianella eriocarpa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

C. and S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 37, 52]. The leaves have a very mild flavour and a slightly mucilaginous texture, they make an excellent ingredient of mixed salads and can be eaten in quantity[K]. The leaves can be available all year round from successional sowings, and will only need protection in colder winters[K]. When grown in rich soils larger leaves are produced that can be used as a potherb[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known