Pignut

Conopodium majus

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 herb with a small edible tuber tasting of hazelnut, traditionally harvested in meadows and woodlands. In a food forest, it occupies the root layer under trees and shrubs, making use of the underground space. Prefers light soils and partial shade.

See which trees 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: Medium
Light: Partial shade
Size: Tuberous perennial herb up to 0.4 m
Mature diameter: 0.15 m
Soils: Loam, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

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

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: Its small underground tuber is edible, with a pleasant sweet flavour similar to chestnut, and can be eaten raw, roasted or boiled.

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.