Corn Salad, Lewiston cornsalad

Valerianella locusta

Physical Characteristics

Valerianella locusta is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw[1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 27, 33, 37]. A very mild flavour, with a delicate quality that makes them seem to melt in the mouth, they can be added in quantity to salads[183]. The leaves can be available all year round from successional sowings and will only require protection in the colder winters[K]. Flowers and flowering stems - raw[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known