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DESIGNING AN IN edibleIDAHO ARIEL AGENBROAD, STEPHEN L. LOVE, TONY MCCAMMON, ISABELLE TAYLOR BUL 921

Designing an Edible Landscape in

Introduction FOR TOO LONG, and have been hidden Ariel Agenbroad Area Extension Educator, Community away in the backyard, while manicured and Food Systems and Small carefully trimmed are chosen for curb appeal. But University of Idaho Extension times have changed, and edible are often being incorporated as a feature of . One in three Stephen L. Love households now grows fruits and vegetables at home, Urban Specialist University of Idaho Aberdeen Research for reasons that include food safety concerns, economy, and Extension Center environmental , healthy eating, or a simple desire to get back to life’s basics. Tony McCammon (former) Area Extension Educator, are turning to “edible ” to grow Consumer and Commercial Horticulture more of their own food, especially in cities or towns where University of Idaho Extension space is at a premium. In an edible landscape, , , , and work double duty, create an Isabelle Taylor Advanced Master Volunteer attractive, unique yard bursting with functional, food- Master Composter producing plants. Ada and Canyon Counties Edible landscaping is practical and possible in all of Idaho’s growing regions, if careful thought is given to Contents choices, design, and timing. For some gardeners (or in some neighborhoods), maintaining traditional 1 Introduction landscape may be equal to or more important 2 Good planning than producing an abundant supply of food. In these cases, 2 Thoughtful design edible plants must be highly attractive and remain that way throughout the growing season. Luckily, many common 3 Regular maintenance edible plants offer surprising beauty, form, or fragrance 3 Choosing the right plants to the landscape. Consider blushing pink cherry blossoms, 4 Plants for Idaho edible ruffled lettuces in shades of green and bronze, blue-green 8 Further Reading rosettes of young cabbages, rainbow hues of Swiss chard, distinguished stalks of corn, scented pathways of lemon , spiky, bold artichokes, or an array of edible flowers. Even those roses, it turns out, can be edible! A successful edible landscape results from good planning, thoughtful design, and regular maintenance. Edible yards can be eye-catching while expanding the capacity for home food production. However, when poorly • Select some plants that require less maintenance. planned, such landscapes may create extra work and Edibles such as , , and require more inputs of time and attention than a typically require a rigorous maintenance conventional landscape. This publication will provide schedule of , weeding, thinning, pest ideas and suggestions for creating a beautiful, yet management, and harvesting. Whereas, Nanking productive, edible landscape. cherry, mulberry, elderberry, and currants are edible plants that require little effort. Good planning • Place plants with similar growing requirements Creating an attractive landscape requires the appli- and maintenance needs together. For cation of careful design principles, whether starting example, most and nut trees have similar from scratch or converting an existing landscape. maintenance requirements that include Begin planning by listing all the landscape functions to scheduled pruning, , fertilization, and be incorporated. Include space not only for food pro- pest management. Keeping these plants together duction but also for play areas, pet zones, entertaining, will consolidate the workload and minimize great views, utility, or public access, if appropriate. the need to move equipment or tools between Keep in mind that city planning and zoning sites. Within fruit , it is also best to ordinances, homeowners’ association rules, or place pome fruits (e.g., , , quince, and other local codes may influence what may or may crabapple) together and in a separate grouping be allowed on a . In some areas, there will from stone fruits (e.g., , cherry, apricot, be requirements to maintain a grass , even in , and almond). parking strips. So, before beginning a major redesign or replacement of turf, be sure to check with the Thoughtful design appropriate local authorities. This publication is not written to be a comprehensive Another goal of the planning process is to reduce guide to landscaping. While developing a design, it the workload associated with the seasonal planting, may be necessary to use additional resources or even harvesting, maintaining, and replanting of an edible the services of a professional to guide in the creation landscape. Here are some considerations unique to of a functional and attractive landscape. However, this type of . in considering the overall design, the following elements are appropriate to both traditional and • Start small. In the initial design, plant less than edible landscapes: 50% of the landscape into edible plants. The best trade-off for time management is to trade lawn • focal points to stop the eye, such as accent plants, (also high maintenance) for edibles. Tree and art, or structures that encourage pause beds are already low maintenance. A good and reflection; initial goal is to assign 600 total square feet of the • scale and balance to harmonize landscape landscape to food production for a family of four. elements with the home and neighborhood; Increase the food production areas as needed • repetition of plants, hardscapes, or other and as time permits. When trees and shrubs need landscape elements to create unity; to be replaced in the landscape, consider fruit- or • variety to create interest; nut-producing choices that are suitable for the and available space. • color and texture to complement and accentuate; • Plant vegetables and close to the kitchen. • line to draw the eye to the most attractive and Convenience is important in an edible landscape. interesting landscape elements (Figure 1); and The further a person has to walk to get • composition to mesh landscape elements such as greens and tomatoes for a sandwich, or tend to free space, garden rooms, water features, paths, the plants, the easier it becomes to neglect the and containers. garden.

3 • Carefully till or prepare the each spring in bed areas receiving annual plants. • Regularly add to all areas of the landscape. • Place annual beds in locations where tilling or cultivation will not damage the of perennial and woody landscape elements. • Select adapted, appropriate varieties of all food crops to enhance prospects for success and meet personal production goals. • Apply (choose from organic or conventional products) at moderate rates that will satisfy the needs of most plants in the landscape. • Irrigate infrequently, but deeply, to meet the requirements of both deep and shallow-rooted Figure 1. A brick wall adds scale and line to an edible landscape. Photo by Ariel Agenbroad. crops. In most Idaho , water every 4–5 days with sufficient water to wet the soil to a depth of 18 inches. Be prepared to add extra water to In employing landscape design elements, clean and high-use crops. simple designs are probably the most dramatic and breathtaking. Simplicity is often difficult to achieve • Use and organic to conserve in an edible landscape, as the potential palette is water and provide partial . nearly unlimited! Apply key principles, such as use • Control weeds by hand and with mechanical minimal plant variety and thoughtfully apply color tools, rather than with . and texture. • Apply and disease prevention and control as required by individual species and Regular maintenance according to product label directions for use. Managing an edible landscape is closer to caring • Harvest individual crops in a timely manner to for a garden than it is to maintaining an maximize produce quality. ornamental landscape. The process is made complex by the inclusion of many types of woody, perennial, • Be prepared to replant or keep harvested areas and annual plants. Additionally, there are limitations weeded and under a cover of . not usually considered in a typical landscape. For instance, use of weed-barrier fabrics and non-organic Choosing the right plants mulches is impractical where perennial and annual The bulk of this publication provides information edibles are to be produced since annual plants will be and ideas about the plants that may be used in an replaced frequently and perennials will benefit from edible landscape. This information can be used regular applications of . Soils within much in conjunction with a landscape plan and with of the landscape must be kept loose, aerated, moist, application of design elements, to create a functional and moderately nutrient-rich. Finally, use and beautiful edible landscape. To aid in making should be kept to a minimum, meaning pest control appropriate plant choices, plant information is given may involve more hand labor. Detailed maintenance in the form of “replacement tables.” These tables instructions for all aspects of an edible landscape are allow the homeowner to create a design based on beyond the scope of this publication. However, a few often-recommended ornamental plants and then find general principles should be considered: a lesser-known but suitable edible substitute.

4 Plants for Idaho edible landscapes Small and large fruit and nut trees Trees are the prominent features in the landscape and provide many of the features we seek in any yard, such as shade, spring flowers, fall color, and edible fruit. On large , fruit and nut trees can be planted in their own small site. In a small yard, it becomes necessary to carefully choose trees that will serve multiple purposes. See Tables 1 and 2 for choosing trees with edible fruit or nuts.

In any region of Idaho, it is possible to grow trees that Figure 3. Serviceberries are hardy, low-maintenance trees will produce desirable fruit while simultaneously that provide food for both human and residents. Photo contributing to the aesthetics of the landscape. by Stephen Love. However, choice of crops in the colder areas of Dwarf options are available for most fruit eastern, central, and northern Idaho is greatly crops. Dwarf trees produce less fruit than a standard limited by plant . Apples, , apricots, variety, but are generally much easier to manage and a few nut crops like walnut will produce and can be especially ideal for small yards. They also consistently. Although black walnut contains a make production of other sun-loving garden crops chemical in its roots—called juglone—which inhibits easier by reducing the shade footprint. growth of other plant species, other walnut species do not contain high amounts of juglone and can be Tree training or pruning can also help with size grown near other plants without negative effects. management. is a technique of minimizing the Many more fruit and nut tree selections, such as ultimate size of a tree shaping the tree to grow along peach trees (Figure 2), are possibilities in the warmer the plane of a wall or fence. Alternatively, several dwarf southcentral and southwestern regions of the state. trees can be planted close together to form a along a property line or in a narrow space. Pruning practices may need to be altered for fruit trees that are serving multiple functions in the landscape. Trees pruned to maximize fruit size and yield tend to look less appealing as specimen or shade trees. On the other hand, some fruit trees that are only lightly pruned will produce small, poor- quality fruit. The best strategy, especially for fruit trees that also serve as shade trees, is to train the tree with a full, rounded crown, but to annually thin the smaller fruiting branches and prune back aggressive, fast-growing limbs. Some fruit-bearing trees—such as serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.; Figure 3)—rarely require annual pruning unless is dead, damaged, or diseased. In the coldest regions of the state, it is important to select the hardiest crops and the earliest maturing Figure 2. With their smaller size, attractive blooms, and eye- for edible landscaping. For example, peaches catching fruit, peach trees are an effective edible landscape choice in parts of Idaho with milder winters. Photo by and nectarines that yield early in the season can reli- Ariel Agenbroad. ably produce fruit in areas where other varieties fail.

5 Cultivars of some fruit crops need a pollinator variety grown in containers except in parts of northern Idaho to successfully set fruit. In situations of limited space where soils conditions are suitable. Avoid rabbiteye and this is an important consideration, especially if there southern highbush , which are not hardy in is room for only one tree. Sweet cherries, butternuts, Idaho. Raspberries will grow throughout Idaho. Both chestnuts, persimmons, hickories, and black walnuts summer- and fall-bearing raspberry cultivars produce require the presence of a nearby second cultivar to well. It is important to choose hardy cultivars that are produce fruit. Apples require a second cultivar, but adapted to alkaline soils (southern Idaho). Blackberries many can be pollinated by a crabapple blooming at are adapted to the warmest of Idaho. Erect the same time. Self-fruitful crops that do not need a type cultivars are hardier than trailing type cultivars. second cultivar include apricots, tart cherries, and Hardy roses produce edible flowers (Figure 4), while peaches. Pears, pawpaws, and Persian walnuts are some also develop vitamin-packed hips. partially self-fruitful, meaning they will produce Fruiting vines include winter-tender crops. are adequately alone, but will be more productive if a consistently productive only in the warmest climates of second cultivar is present. vary by cultivar. Idaho. There are a few varieties on the market that claim Despite the work involved and knowledge required, hardiness into Zone 4. Only the hardy species of kiwi, including fruit and nut trees in an edible landscape Actinidia arguta and Actinidia kolomikta, will grow con- can be rewarding. sistently in Idaho, and then only in the warmer regions Fruit-producing shrubs and vines of the state. Production of kiwi requires both male and female plants to provide pollination and fruit set. Many of the most-preferred fruits grow on attractive shrubs and vines. This makes them ideal for inclusion Perennial herbs, vegetables, and in an edible landscape. Most of the fruit-producing flowers shrubs are and can be interspersed with Valued for their ability to live and produce year after shrubs and trees. See Table 3 to choose year, herbaceous perennial plants bring rich texture, shrubs and vines for an edible landscape. form, and flowers to the edible landscape. Perennial Edible shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. plants are generally easy to grow and establish They can be used for , screens, windbreaks, quickly. Many can be started from , cuttings, foundation plantings, or as accent plants. Some make or divisions. Hardy perennial vegetables include worthy specimen plants. Edible vines can be used to , , and ; these can be create dividers or to cover fences or arbors. In many grown nearly everywhere. Many edible culinary and cases, a single berry shrub may not produce adequate medicinal herbs are also cold hardy and well adapted fruit to meet household needs. It is good strategy to to the more arid regions of the state. Several popular design repetitive elements using edible shrubs. perennial flowering plants are edible as well. See Table 4 to find perennial plants with edible stems, Fruiting shrubs are easy to grow and relatively care- roots, , flowers, or fruit. free. Most species are in full production by their third year of growth. Shrubs tend to accept a wide range of soil pH, moisture, and fertility conditions. They do require some pruning to maximize fruit production and maintain a neat appearance. The main pruning objective should be to remove old, non-productive wood and to keep the plants vigorous. To balance production with aesthetic value, it is rarely necessary to do more than provide routine care. Some fruiting shrubs require specific growing condi- tions or cultivar selection. Blueberries and the related huckleberries require acid soil (pH less than 5) to grow Figure 4. Edible petals and rose hips bring the iconic rosebush and remain healthy. This means they are typically to an edible landscape. Photo by Ariel Agenbroad.

6 Perennials may be classified by their preference for or deadheaded following bloom or harvesting. sun or shade. Most have a limited bloom time, so Perennial herbs may be harvested at any time, in addition to color, consider their overall though best culinary quality will result if harvested form and growth habit, texture, color, when prior to bloom. incorporating them into the landscape design. Group Consider planting: hyssop, artichoke (often drought tolerant plants with other drought tolerant treated as an annual), asparagus, , , plants, and group plants that require more frequent chamomile, chive (Figure 5), culinary sage, daylily, irrigation. Planting a single variety in groups of 3, 5, Egyptian walking , horehound, horseradish, or 7 individual plants and repeating the sequence , lavender, , , throughout the landscape can produce very attractive, mints, , rhubarb, savory, , , balanced visual effects. Repeated placement of , and several of the different types of . favorite perennial plants may also be used to connect or unify different landscape elements. Choose a Annual herbs, vegetables, and variety of perennial plants that will bloom in every flowers season so that both people and beneficial pollinators Annuals are the “accessory plants” in a landscape. can enjoy the flowers all season long. When designing and planting an edible landscape, When planting perennial vegetables, like asparagus consider annual herbs, vegetables and edible flowers or horseradish, provide them with a designated for color, texture, and taste. Annual plants grow permanent area so that these crops can be easily quickly, often bloom for the entire summer, and are found and harvested without disturbing plants easily swapped out from year to year. Most are frost around them. Horseradish, in particular, can be tender, lasting only as long as temperatures remain very invasive, so gardeners with small spaces may above freezing. However, some, like or choose to plant this species in large containers or , reliably reseed themselves to the point they barrels. Most herbs are adaptable to being grown in may become a nuisance. A few cold hardy annual containers, provided adequate irrigation is available. vegetables, like leafy greens, cole crops (Figure 6), peas, and crops can tolerate some frost and Perennial plants may take up to three years to could be planted early alongside spring flowering achieve their full size, so give them room to grow to cover the foliage when it starts to and use mulch to reduce weed pressure until they brown. Several annual vining vegetable crops, such have filled in. Many perennials benefit from being as cucumber, peas, runner bean, or gourds will cut back in fall or early spring, and lightly sheared

Figure 5. Plants in the , or , family like , often have a striking vertical shape and showy spring Figure 6. Cole crops, such as kale, provide long-lasting flowers. Photo by Ariel Agenbroad. interest in the edible landscape. Photo by Ariel Agenbroad.

7 quickly cover arbors and trellises and have attractive flowers as well that may be attractive to butterflies and . Table 5 helps with the selection of annual plants with edible stems, roots, leaves, flowers, or fruit. Because annual edible plants consist primarily of suc- culent vegetables, they often have high requirements for nutrients and water. Amend soils prior to plant- ing with compost, composted , or a slow-re- lease . Mulches will reduce water loss and help with weed management. Many annual herbs and flowers are successful in containers and hanging baskets if they are watered regularly, even daily, in Figure 7. Many annual flowers, such as the red, , and hot weather. Dwarf vegetable cultivars, or those de- yellow African marigolds pictured above, are both edible and a source of good late-season color. Photo by Ariel Agenbroad. veloped with patio or small space gardening in mind, can also thrive in the confines of a pot, barrel, basket, Although there are many flowers that can be or other imaginative container with drainage holes. consumed, use caution. Many others contain Some vegetable gardeners in very cold climates grow alkaloids, tannins, or other chemicals that can be their tender annuals in pots nestled in a wagon so harmful or even poisonous to humans. that they can be pulled to warm safekeeping when the weather is unfavorable. Further reading With some exceptions, annuals should be planted Creasy, Rosalind. Edible Landscaping. Berkeley, CA: after all danger of frost has passed. In the case of Counterpoint Press, 2010. leafy or heading vegetables, like or cabbage, Easton, Valerie. A Pattern Garden. Portland, : Timber prepare to replace plants that are harvested with Press, 2007. new sowings. Permitting some crops, like broccoli, Hemenway, Toby. Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale bok choy, or radish to bolt and produce flowers . Hartford, : Chelsea Green and seed can add a new dimension to the edible Publishing, 2009. landscape and are often attractive to species of Kourik, Robert. Designing and Maintaining your Edible predatory beneficial . Provide appropriate Landscape Naturally. Hartford, Vermont: Chelsea Green support for vining crops. Publishing, 2005. Try the many colors and flavors of sweet , Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cilantro, cucumber, , , , , gourds, greens, ground Cautionary statements—DO NOT EAT unidentified flowers as they may be poisonous. Do not purchase flowers to eat from a florist cherry, kale, kohlrabi, , lettuce, , onion, unless specified for food consumption. Do not harvest flowers , peas, peppers, runner beans, sweet , that could have been exposed to animal , , or other contaminants. Always prepare flowers carefully before Swiss chard, , and tomatoes. serving; wash well, making sure to remove any hidden insects; shake, and leave to dry on paper towel. In most cases, only petals Only eat non-sprayed flowers that have been cor- should be used. Some flowers may contribute to allergic reactions rectly identified and begin consumption with a small in some people. taste, in case you have an unknown allergy. Some Asthmatics or others who suffer allergic reactions to composite- edible flowers to try, include: anise hyssop, African type flowers (e.g., calendula, , , daisy, English daisy, and marigold) should be on alert for possible marigold (Figure 7), borage, calendula, chive, daylily, allergic reactions. or pinks, English daisy, hollyhock, lavender, Use flowers sparingly in recipes, particularly if not accustomed lilac, nasturtium, pansy or Johnny jump up, rose (pet- to eating them. If prone to allergies, introduce flowers in small amounts in order to judge their effect. Some have a much more als and hips), scarlet runner bean, scented pronounced flavor than others, so it will be necessary to use them (leaves and flowers), and tuberous . accordingly.

8 Note: The following replacement tables provide ideas for edible plant substitutions but are not all-inclusive. Make additional replacement decisions by researching to find edible options that have similar adaptation, mature size, and overall form as the recommended ornamental tree.

Table 1. Selecting multipurpose fruiting medium-sized to large trees.

If the landscape plan calls for a medium-sized or large tree:

Replace non-edible (common/scientific name): With edible (common/scientific name):

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) English walnut (Juglans regia) Honeylocust (Gledistia spp.) Zone 5. Carpathian types are hardier. Black locust (Robinia spp.)

Oak (Quercus spp.) Black walnut (Juglans nigra) Poplar (Populus spp.) Note: contains allelopathic compounds European beech (Fagus spp.) Zone 4. Good for difficult sites.

Maple (Acer spp.) Mulberry (Morus spp.) London planetree (Platanus spp.) Zone 4. Pick cultivars bred for fruit production. Catalpa (Catalpa spp.)

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Zelkova (Zelkova spp.) Zone 3. Hardiest of the walnuts. Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

Linden (Tilia spp.) Chestnut (Castanea hybrids) Common hackberry (Cektis spp.) Zone 4. Hybrids are resistant to chestnut blight. Horsechestnut (Aeculus spp.)

Weeping or globe willow (Salix spp.) Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) Birch (Betula spp.) Zone 6. Choose self-fertile cultivars. (Magnolia spp.)

Table 2. Selecting multipurpose fruiting small trees.

If the landscape plan calls for a small tree:

Replace non-edible (common/scientific name): With edible (common/scientific name):

European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) English walnut (Juglans regia) Flowering plum (Prunus spp.) Zone 5. Carpathian types are hardier. Hawthorn ( spp.)

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) Russian olive (Eleagnus spp.) Zone 5. Choose self-fertile cultivars.

Flowering cherry (Prunus spp. & hybrids) Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) Redbuds (Cercis spp.) Zone 4. All cultivars are self-fertile.

Gallery flowering pear (Pyrus calleryana) Fruiting pear (Pyrus communis) Hornbeam (Carpinus spp.) Zone 4. Both European and Asian types are suitable.

Flowering crabapple ( spp.) Apple or Large Fruited Crabapple (Malus spp.) Dogwood (Cornus spp.) Zone 4. Choose cultivars with an appropriate fruit maturation date for Parrotia (Parrotia spp.) your climate.

Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) Plum (Prunus spp.) Amur Maackia (Maackia spp.) Zone 4. American, European or Japanese cultivars adapted and available.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Peach or nectarine (Prunus persica) Redbud (Cercis spp.) Zone 5-6. Not adapted to the coldest Idaho locales.

Flowering plum (Prunus spp.) Almond (Prunus persica) Dogwood (Cornus spp.) Zone 6+. Adapted to only the warmest Idaho climates.

9 Table 3. Selecting multipurpose edible shrubs or vines.

If the landscape plan calls for a shrub or :

Replace non-edible (common/scientific name): With edible (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Shrubs

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) /Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.) Fruit Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) Zones 4+ depending on species. Adapted only to locales with Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) strongly acidic soils.

Hybrid tea rose (Rosa spp.) Hip Roses (Rosa spp.) Petals, hips Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) Zone 4+. Species with single, semi-double, or otherwise open Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) bloom form are more likely to produce edible rose hips. Snowball bush (Viburnum macrocephalum)

Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) Raspberry () Fruit Blue mist spiraea (Caryopteris spp.) Zone 4 or 5. Not all cultivars adapted to southern Idaho soils Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.) or climates.

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) (Rubus hybrids) Fruit Red-stem dogwood (Cornus spp.) Zone 5. Not hardy in coldest Idaho climates.

Burning bush (Euonymous alatus) Currant ( spp.) Fruit Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) Zones 3, 4, or 5. Widely adapted. Some cultivars produce Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) colorful fall leaves.

Red-stem dogwood (Cornus sericea) Blue or black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Fruit Peashrub (Caragana spp.) Zone 4. Choose cultivars bred for fruit.

Hibiscus ( syriacus) Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) Fruit Snowball bush (Viburnum macrocephalum) Zone 3. Many cultivars available with a range of landscape Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) characteristics.

Butterfly bush Buddleia( davidii) Lilac (Syringa spp.) Flowers (Rhus spp.)

Weigela (Weigela spp.) Flowering Quince (Cydonia spp.) Fruit Holly (Ilex spp.)

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea) Fruit Creeping mahonia (Mahonia repens) Zone 2. Adapted to very difficult conditions.

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.) Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) Fruit Red-stem dogwood (Cornus sericea) Zone 3. Saskatoon cultivars have the best fruit.

Snowball bush (Viburnum macrocephalum) Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) Fruit Mockorange (Philadelphus spp.) Zone 3. Widely adapted, somewhat weedy.

Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa) Goji Berries or Wolf-berry (Lycium chinense) Fruit Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) Zone 5. Plants can be grown as annuals in colder climates. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.)

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) Fruit Burning bush (Euonymous alatus) Zone 3. Adapted to very harsh conditions.

Ninebark (Physocarpus spp.) Scarlet Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora) Fruit Peashrub (Caragana spp.) Zone 4. Adapted to a wide range of conditions.

Yew (Taxus spp.) Oregon -holly (Mahonia angustifolium) Fruit Zone 5 without snow. Prefers acidic soil but will grow in most Idaho soils.

Blue arctic willow (Salix purpurea) (Phyllostachys spp.) Sprouts Blue mist spiraea (Caryopteris spp.) Zone 3-6. Choose cultivars adapted to local conditions and Mockorange (Philadelphus spp.) that have been selected for edible .

Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) Hazelnut (Corylus spp.) Nut Snowball bush (Viburnum macrocephalum) Zone 3-5. Arbor Day hybrids are hardy to Zone 3.

10 Table 3, continued. Selecting multipurpose edible shrubs or vines.

If the landscape plan calls for a shrub or vine:

Replace non-edible (common/scientific name): With edible (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Vines

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Grape (Vitis spp.) Fruit Zones 5 or 6. Best in warmest Idaho areas.

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) Kiwi (Actinidia arguta or kolomikta) Fruit Chocolate vine (Akebia spp.) Zones 3, 4, or 5. Best in warmest Idaho areas.

Trumpetvine (Campsis radicans) Hops ( lupulus) Dried female flowers (Clematis spp.) Zones 3-11.

Table 4. Selecting multipurpose edible perennial crops.

If the landscape plan calls for a that:

Has this characteric: Replace with these edibles (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Architectural plant Artichoke (tender perennial) (Cynara ) Flower buds Hosta, Heuchera, Bergenia Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) Leaf stalks Rhubarb ( rhabarbarum) Petiole

Blooms in spring Alpine strawberry () Fruit Phlox, , Pasque flower Chive (Alium schoenoprasum) Flowers, leaves Dandelion ( officinale) Leaves, flowers, roots

Blooms in summer Anise hyssop ( foeniculum) Leaves, flowers Astilbe, Jupiters beard, , , Beebalm ( didyma) Flowers , Lavender ( spp.) Flowers Mint ( spp.) Leaves, flowers Oregano ( vulgare) Leaves, flowers ( ) Leaves, flowers Thyme ( spp.) Leaves, flowers (Yucca filamentosa) Flower petals

Blooms in fall Jerusalem artichoke ( tuberosum) Aster, Chrysanthemum, Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’) Leaves, flowers,

Tall growth habit Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) Roots Hollyhock, Delphinium, Digitalis, Grasses Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosum) Tubers Lovage (Levisticum officinale) Leaves French tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) Leaves

Strap, grass-leaved, or ferny foliage Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Leaf buds Blue fescue, , Liriope, Ribbon grass, Liatris, Chive (Alium schoenoprasum) Flowers, leaves Lilium, Astilbe, Armeria, Kniphofia Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) Flower petals Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Leaves, flowers, seeds Lemongrass (tender perennial) () Leaves Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) Flower petals

Mounding growth habit Lemonbalm (Melissa officinalis) Leaves Hosta, Phlox, , Geranium, Mint (Mentha spp.) Leaves, flowers Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Leaves, flowers Parsley (biennial) (Petroselinum crispum) Leaves

11 Table 4, continued. Selecting multipurpose edible perennial crops.

If the landscape plan calls for a perennial plant that:

Has this characteric: Replace with these edibles (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Low growing/ habit Chamomile, German () Flowers Vinca, Sedum, Cerastium, , Ajuga Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) Flowers Mint (Mentha spp.) Leaves, flowers Sweet woodruff ( oforatum) Leaves, flowers(use sparingly) Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Fruit Thyme (Thymus spp.) Leaves, flowers

Gray foliage Artichoke (tender perennial) (Cynara scolymus) Flower buds Lambs Ear (), Artemesia, Blue fescue, Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) Leaf stalks Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Flowers Culinary sage ( officinalis) Leaves, flowers

Purple foliage Culinary sage, Tricolor sage (Salvia spp.) Leaves, flowers Ajuga, Heuchera, , Euphorbia Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’) Leaves, flowers, seeds

Gold foliage Golden oregano (Origanum) Leaves, flowers Heuchera, Bleeding heart

Variegated foliage mint (Mentha) Leaves, flowers Hosta, Euphorbia, Brunnera Golden sage (Salvia spp.) Leaves, flowers

Red or pink blooms Beebalm (Monarda didyma) Flowers Heuchera, Sedum, Phlox, Hibiscus, Achillea Pinks () Flower petals Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Fruit Thyme (Thymus ssp.) Leaves, flowers

Orange or yellow blooms Dandelion () Leaves, flowers Coreopsis, , Helenium, Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) Flower petals Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla) Flowers Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) Flowers Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosum) Tubers

White blooms Sweet woodruff Galium( odoratum) Leaves, flowers(use sparingly) Iris, , Dianthus, Arenaria Thyme (Thymus spp.) Leaves, flowers Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) Flower petals

Blue or purple blooms Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) Leaves, flower petals Ajuga, Vinca, Veronica, Sedum, Aster, Chive (Alium schoenoprasum) Leaves, flowers Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Leaves, flowers Sage (Salvia spp.) Leaves, flowers Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Leaves, flowers Violet ( odorata) Flowers

Blooms in shade Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Fruits Hosta, Bleeding heart, Bergenia, Hellebores Sweet woodruff Galium( odoratum) Leaves, flowers(use sparingly) Violet (Viola odorata) Flowers

12 Table 5. Selecting multipurpose edible annual crops.

If the landscape plan calls for a that:

Has this characteric: Replace with these edibles (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Upright or erect growth habit Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) Crown Lily, , Cosmos, Dianthus, Zinnia, Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea) Leaves, buds Phlox, , Salvia, , Purple fountain Dill (Anethum graveolens) Leaves, seed grass, Celosia, Marigolds Corn (Zea mays) Ears Eggplant ( melongena) Fruit Fava bean (Vicia faba) Beans Garlic (Allium spp.) Bulb, leaves Kale (Brassica oleracea) Leaves Leek (Allium porrum) Leaves, bulb Millet ( miliaceum) Seed Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Pod Onions (Allium spp.) Leaves, bulb Seeds

Mounding growth habit Basil (Ocinum spp.) Leaves, flowers Alyssum, Bacopa, , Pansy, , Cabbage (Brassica olereaceae) Leaves, crown Marigolds, Snapdragon Cauliflower Brassica( oleracea) Crown Lettuces (Lactuca sativa) Leaves

Spreading growth habit (Anthriscus cerefolium) Leaves, flowers Vervain, Portulaca, , Pansies, Coleus, Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) Leaves, flowers, seed Licorice plant, Wave petunia Orach ( hortensis) Leaves Mache (Corn Salad) (Valerianella locusta) Leaves Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Leaves Squash (Cucurbit spp.) Fruit

Cascading growth habit Nasturtium ( spp.) Flowers Lobelia, Licorice Plant, Vinca (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruit

Vining growth habit Cucumber (Cucumis spp.) Fruit Thunbergia alata, Morning glory, Mandevilla, Gourd ( pepo) Some fruits (young) Lantana Malabar spinach (Basella alba) Leaves Melon (Cucumis spp.) Fruit Peas (Pisum sativum) Pods, seed Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) Pods, seed ( batatas) Tubers Tomato (indeterminate) (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruit

Red or pink blooms Begonia, tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida) Flower petals Dianthus, Salvia, Lantana, Petunia, Zinnia, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) Flowers Vervain, Gomphrena Red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Pods Runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) Flowers, pod, seed Scented geranium (Pelargonum spp.) Leaves, flowers

Orange blooms Begonia, tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida) Flower petals Marigolds, Cosmos, Celosia, Zinnia Calendula () Flowers Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) Flowers Signet marigold ( signata) Flowers Seeds

13 Table 5, continued. Selecting multipurpose edible annual crops.

If the landscape plan calls for a annual plant that:

Has this characteric: Replace with these edibles (common/scientific name): Edible Portion

Yellow blooms Begonia, tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida) Flower petals Marigolds, Zinnia, Lantana, Dahlia Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Flowers Cucumber (Cucumis spp.) Fruit Melon (Cucumis spp.) Fruit Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) Flowers Signet marigold (Tagetes signata) Flowers Squash (Cucurbita spp.) Fruit Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruit

White blooms Arugula (Brassica oleraceae) Leaves Bacopa, Impatiens, , Swan river daisy, () Root Alyssum, Zinnia, Phlox Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) Leaves Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) Leaves Gourd (Cucurbita pepo) Fruit (some, young) Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Pods Onions (Allium spp.) Leaves, bulb Scented geranium (Pelargonum spp.) Leaves, flowers

Blue or purple blooms Beans and peas Pods, seed Morning glory, Lobelia, Salvia, Cineraria, Vervain, Borage (Borago officinalis) Flowers Grape hyacinth, Petunia, Heliotrope Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Fruit Mustards (Brassica oleraceae) Leaves Poppy, bread seed ( somniferum) Seed

Colorful foliage Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Leaves, seed Coleus, Caladium, Hypoestes, Alternanthera, Basil (Ocimum spp.) Leaves, flowers Begonia Beets () Leaves, root Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Fruit Cabbages (Brassica oleraceae) Leaves, crown Kale (Brassica oleraceae) Leaves Leek (Allium porrum) Leaves, bulb Lettuces (Lactuca sativa) Leaves Millet (Panicum miliaceum) Seed Nasturtium (variegated) (Tropaeolum spp.) Flowers Orach (Atriplex hortensis) Leaves () () Leaves Purple leaved chile pepper ( spp.) Fruit Radicchio (Cichorium intybus) Leaves Scented geranium (Pelargonum spp.) Leaves, flowers Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) Leaves, stalks

Fragrance Pansy, Johnny jump ups (Viola spp.) Flowers Heliotrope, Alyssum, Nicotiana Scented geranium (Pelargonum spp.) Leaves, flowers

Blooms in shade Begonia, tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida) Flower petals Fuchsia, Lobelia, Impatiens, Browallia Borage (Borago officinalis) Flowers Pansy, Johnny jump ups, (Viola spp.) Flowers

Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Barbara Petty, Director of University of Idaho Extension, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844. The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. BUL 921 | Published March 2019 | © 2019 by the University of Idaho