Wild Edible Plants

Maidenstears


SILENE VULGARIS

Maiden's-tears is a prolific species that adapts to various environmental conditions. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia but has also been introduced to other North America in both natural and cultivated settings. Maiden's-tears survive with consistent moisture but the plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Several parts of the plant are edible and present in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. The young leaves  and the young, tender shoots are edible– they often are used fresh in salads or cooked in soups and stews. The leaves are often used in a manner similar to spinach or other leafy greens. The flowers can be added to salads for decoration or flavor.


SEED SAVERS

Aterraterra Lab, Palermo (Italy) ︎︎︎
Eixarcolant, Barcelona (Spain) ︎︎︎
Postane, Istanbul (Turkey) ︎︎︎
Spore initiative, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Wolves Lane Centre, London (United Kingdom) ︎︎︎