Shade-Loving Edible Perennials

Pot marigolds make colorful edible garnishes for salads.

A perennial is a plant that dies back to its roots in autumn or winter but grows back again in spring or summer. Herbs are common perennial plants that have edible parts, such as leaves and seeds, and are used to flavor cooking, drinks and medicine. Perennial root crops such as potatoes, rhubarb and beets benefit from some light shade in summer but do not produce as large a crop as those grown in full sun. When planting edible perennials in a shady position, be sure to choose varieties that tolerate low light.

Lemon Balm

This plant is native to Europe and belongs to the mint family. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) grows 2 feet high and in summer produces light blue or yellow flowers. Leaves are oval, 2 to 3 inches long, very wrinkly with scalloped edges and range from dark green to yellow in color. They taste both lemony and minty. This herb prefers fertile, moist soil in a cool, partially shady spot. Lemon balm will grow in sunny areas, but plants grown in shade tend to be larger and more succulent.

Sweet Woodruff

Edible star-shaped flowers that are sweet and taste of vanilla are a key feature of sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). It is a popular groundcover, as it has a spreading habit and thrives in dense shade. Plants grow 6 to 10 inches tall and have fine-textured foliage that give off a fragrance of freshly mowed hay. Sweet woodruff is often used to flavor drinks, such as herbal teas, punches and wines.

Calendula

People have used calendula petals for medicinal purposes since the 12th century, particularly to treat cuts, burns and bruises. The plant will grow in any soil type and is suitable for shade. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is from the same plant family as daisies, chrysanthemums and ragweed. Commonly known as a pot marigold, calendula grows to a height of 4 feet and has lacy, feather-like foliage. Its orange-yellow petals make a colorful garnish for salads.

References

• North Carolina State University: Lemon balm
• University of Vermont: Wild and Cultivated Flowers You Can Eat
• University of Illinois: Sweet Woodruff
• University of Maryland: Calendula
• NC State University: Growing Herbs for the Home Gardener

Resources

• East Texas Gardening: An Edible Resource
• NC State University: Growing Herbs for the Home Gardener
• University of Vermont: Wild and Cultivated Flowers You Can Eat