Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Researching "Aging Gracefully" is my newest passion. I am discovering new medicinal plants, cutting edge medical breakthroughs, and rediscovering old-fashioned foods, technologies, and wisdom.
Today's post is a nod back to 1983 when I started my own edible landscape in Lake in the Hills, IL. It's been updated to USDA growing zone 7a, here in Paducah:
This is an extensive list of edible perennial plants suitable for USDA Growing Zone 7A, which typically has a cold winter climate:
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Artichoke
- Horseradish
- Jerusalem artichoke (Sunchoke)
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Currants
- Gooseberries
- Elderberry
- Hops (for brewing)
- Chives
- Mint
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- French tarragon
- Lovage
- Sorrel
- Good King Henry
- Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
- Wild leek (Allium tricoccum)
- Sea kale
- Egyptian walking onion
- Sweet cicely
- Comfrey
- Fennel
- Lovage
- Lemon balm
- Wintergreen
- Groundnut (Apios americana)
- Watercress
- Lovage
- Skirret
- Chinese water chestnut
- Hosta (young shoots are edible)
- Daylily (edible buds and flowers)
- Alpine strawberries
- Siberian pea shrub (edible pea-like pods)
- Korean nut pine
- Yacon (Peruvian ground apple)
- Sunchokes
- Wild strawberries
Remember that the availability of some plants may vary depending on your specific microclimate and local growing conditions. Always research the specific care and maintenance requirements for each plant to ensure successful cultivation.
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