Food Forest Plants

Perennial Buckwheat | Fagopyrum Cymosum

Sorry, I am not allowed to ship to WA, TAS, NT, and I don’t ship internationally!

$10.50

3 in stock

Why I grow Perennial Buckwheat

First, you will be disappointed, because perennial buckwheat does not produce buckwheat kernels, that is because the plants I have are all reproduced vegetatively and for seed production at least two genetically different strains are required. And even then, according to literature, perennial buckwheat is not a very prolific producer of grain. I believe the only plants available in Australia are cloned plants.
That said, perennial buckwheat is still a useful plant, the leaves are edible and because it is very prolific it has potential for lifestock fodder. Given enough moisture it spreads like wildfire at least in our sandy garden and I only start to trial perennial buckwheat in the clay garden. 

Culinary Use

Perennial buckwheat produces tender, mildly bitter leaves that can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed like spinach. Young leaves are best. Rich in rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, they make a healthy addition to the diet. Oxalic acid levels are moderate, similar to spinach. Historically eaten as a famine green, leaves can also be brewed into a mild herbal tea.

Fodder & Forage Use

Produces abundant, palatable foliage for poultry, goats, sheep, rabbits, and other livestock. Fast regrowth after cutting or grazing, thrives under partial shade in moist, fertile soils. Clonal propagation ensures consistent leafy production. Not drought-tolerant; leaves die back in dry periods but are said to resprout quickly after watering. High leafy biomass, comparable to chicory or plantain in mixed pastures. 

Gardening & Climate

Climate

Thrives in subtropical, tropical, and cooler temperate regions. Survives light to moderate frost; leaves may die back but underground parts resprout. Performs well in coastal and areas with enough rain.

Sun / Shade

Partial to full shade preferred; tolerates sun if soil moisture is sufficient.

Soil & Water

Fertile, well-draining soils. Regular watering encourages continuous leafy growth; mulching helps retain moisture. Ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens.

Medicinal Note

Perennial buckwheat has a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) via its rhizome (“Jin Qiao Mai”) for respiratory health, inflammation, and detoxification. Leaf consumption contributes nutritional benefits, mainly from rutin, but typical dietary amounts are not used as formal medicine.

Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.

Why I grow Perennial Buckwheat

First, you will be disappointed, because perennial buckwheat does not produce buckwheat kernels, that is because the plants I have are all reproduced vegetatively and for seed production at least two genetically different strains are required. And even then, according to literature, perennial buckwheat is not a very prolific producer of grain. I believe the only plants available in Australia are cloned plants.
That said, perennial buckwheat is still a useful plant, the leaves are edible and because it is very prolific it has potential for lifestock fodder. Given enough moisture it spreads like wildfire at least in our sandy garden and I only start to trial perennial buckwheat in the clay garden. 

Culinary Use

Perennial buckwheat produces tender, mildly bitter leaves that can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed like spinach. Young leaves are best. Rich in rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, they make a healthy addition to the diet. Oxalic acid levels are moderate, similar to spinach. Historically eaten as a famine green, leaves can also be brewed into a mild herbal tea.

Fodder & Forage Use

Produces abundant, palatable foliage for poultry, goats, sheep, rabbits, and other livestock. Fast regrowth after cutting or grazing, thrives under partial shade in moist, fertile soils. Clonal propagation ensures consistent leafy production. Not drought-tolerant; leaves die back in dry periods but are said to resprout quickly after watering. High leafy biomass, comparable to chicory or plantain in mixed pastures. 

Gardening & Climate

Climate

Thrives in subtropical, tropical, and cooler temperate regions. Survives light to moderate frost; leaves may die back but underground parts resprout. Performs well in coastal and areas with enough rain.

Sun / Shade

Partial to full shade preferred; tolerates sun if soil moisture is sufficient.

Soil & Water

Fertile, well-draining soils. Regular watering encourages continuous leafy growth; mulching helps retain moisture. Ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens.

Medicinal Note

Perennial buckwheat has a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) via its rhizome (“Jin Qiao Mai”) for respiratory health, inflammation, and detoxification. Leaf consumption contributes nutritional benefits, mainly from rutin, but typical dietary amounts are not used as formal medicine.

Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.