Light: Full Sun to Part Shade Water: Low to Medium (Drought tolerant once established) Hardiness: Zone 8b (Dies in hard freeze, resprouts in spring) Growth Rate: Fast (1-2 ft/month in summer) Plant Type: Succulent trailing vine Pet Safety: Safe
USES & BENEFITS
Culinary: Mild, tangy, crunchy. Eat raw in salads, smoothies, wraps, or lightly sauteed. Stems are edible. Use as a thickening agent in soups.
Medicinal: High in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, and K. Traditionally used to support blood sugar regulation, kidney health, and lower blood pressure.
Tea: Fresh or dried leaves make a mild, slightly sweet, grassy tea. Pairs well with mint.
Garden: Living mulch. Covers bare soil, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and controls erosion.
GUILD CONNECTION
Food Forest Layer: Groundcover / Living mulch, erosion control Companion Plants: Sunchoke (shade above), Goji (vertical), Comfrey (nutrients)
HOW TO GROW
Propagation: Snap a 4-6 inch stem cutting, remove bottom leaves, stick in soil or water. Roots in 7-10 days
Planting: Space 12 inches apart. Let it trail along the ground or climb a low trellis. Tolerates poor soils.
Harvest: Pinch off the top 6 inches regularly. More picking encourages bushier growth and higher yields.
Winter Care: In Zone 8b, it will die back in a hard freeze. Take cuttings in October to overwinter indoors. Often resprouts in spring.
Maintenance: Minimal. Almost no pests or diseases. Trim as needed.
HARVEST & STORAGE
When: Year-round in warm months. Best when young and tender. How: Pinch or snip top 4-6 inches of stem. Storage: Fresh in refrigerator for 3-5 days. Preservation: Dry leaves for tea. Blanch and freeze for smoothies.
