Crosne, Chinese Artichoke, Stachys affinis

This is an easy to grow edible groundcover, ideal for the forest garden and permaculture! The edible tubers are harvested once the frost kills the plant, unharvested roots come back in spring. The plant spreads but does not reproduce by seeds. It is a gourmet vegetable used raw and cooked, often in Chinese and Far Eastern recipes. I really like it stir fried and it looks great for a dinner party.

Chinese artichoke will grow in sun or part shade and prefers rich soils.

Chinese artichoke is a member of the mint family and behaves like a mint! If you don’t want that, contain the plant!