Let Food Be Thy Medicine

in #perenniallast year

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:

  1. Asparagus
  2. Rhubarb
  3. Artichoke
  4. Horseradish
  5. Jerusalem artichoke (Sunchoke)
  6. Strawberries
  7. Raspberries
  8. Blackberries
  9. Blueberries
  10. Currants
  11. Gooseberries
  12. Elderberry
  13. Hops (for brewing)
  14. Chives
  15. Mint
  16. Oregano
  17. Thyme
  18. Sage
  19. Rosemary
  20. Lavender
  21. French tarragon
  22. Lovage
  23. Sorrel
  24. Good King Henry
  25. Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
  26. Wild leek (Allium tricoccum)
  27. Sea kale
  28. Egyptian walking onion
  29. Sweet cicely
  30. Comfrey
  31. Fennel
  32. Lovage
  33. Lemon balm
  34. Wintergreen
  35. Groundnut (Apios americana)
  36. Watercress
  37. Lovage
  38. Skirret
  39. Chinese water chestnut
  40. Hosta (young shoots are edible)
  41. Daylily (edible buds and flowers)
  42. Alpine strawberries
  43. Siberian pea shrub (edible pea-like pods)
  44. Korean nut pine
  45. Yacon (Peruvian ground apple)
  46. Sunchokes
  47. 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.
www pfaf.org