Great pignut

Bunium bulbocastanum

Layer 6 · Roots
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Perennial umbellifer with an edible tuberous root with a hazelnut flavour, suited to calcareous soils. The tuber is eaten raw or cooked and the leaves are aromatic. In a food forest, it occupies the root layer, making use of the soil at depth, while white flowers attract beneficial insects.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees great pignut grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Tuberous herbaceous plant up to 0.6 m
Mature diameter: 0.2 m
Soils: Sandy, Loam, Limestone
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental

Calendar

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Harvest — Planting
November — Harvest
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The small tubers are consumed raw or cooked, with a flavour similar to chestnuts, while the leaves serve as a garnish and the seeds are used as a spice.

Where to buy

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.