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_(22253276491).jpg/1920px-Low_Smartweed_(Persicaria_longiseta)_(22253276491).jpg)
NAME: Lady’s Thumb
SPECIES / FAMILY: Polygonum Longisetum / Polygonaceae
OTHER COMMON NAME(S): common smartweed
CONDITIONS:
sun/shade
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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mild |
RAW/COOK |
Spring/Summer |
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Stalk/Stem |
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Buds |
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Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Pods |
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Seeds |
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slightly bitter |
RAW/COOK |
Summer |
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Nuts |
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Roots |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small
COMMENT: Leaves can be added to soups and salads, used in smoothies, or dry for future use. Seeds are small, dry, and slightly bitter, not very appetizing.
CAUTION: Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people. Many species also contain oxalic acid, boil with lid off to minimize.(1)
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/smartweed.html - Leaf Tea used for heart ailments, stomachaches, inflammation, sore throat, and as a diuretic. Also used against kidney stones. Leaf tea also used as a foot soak for pain in legs and feet. Whole plant poultice used for general pain and poison ivy rash.
LOOK-A-LIKES: Pepper Smartweed - http://www.eattheweeds.com/smartweed-natures-pepper-and-pharmacy
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES: Whole plant poultice as insect repellant.
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):