Common Name:

General Information

Polygonum sibiricum is a herbaceous perennial plant with slender rhizomes; it produces a clump of decumbent to suberect stems that branch from the base, the plant usually growing up to 25cm tall, but occassionally reaching 43cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

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 (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[].

Botanical References

Range

Asia - Western Siberia, Kazakhstan and the Himalayas, eastwards through Mongolia and China to eastern Siberia, Korea

Habitat

Roadsides, saline deserts and sands, saline riverbanks and lakeshores; at elevations from sea level to 5,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in an ordinary garden soil, whilst preferring a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[]. They generally rpays generous treatment[].
Most plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed of most, if not all, members of the genus is edible both raw and cooked, and is potentially a good source of amino acids. Unfortunately the seed is also usually rather small and fiddly to utilize[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.