StoneCarver 2026

[TigerTom]

I couldn't agree more! We like to sauté the buds in butter until the tips are crispy. Mmmmm....

What do you do about hornworms? I've never encountered them in Montana.

Don't forget about the root on first year plants. The wild forms may not grow as large as selected cultivars, but they're still good.

 

[PvtPublic]

Don't forget about the root on first year plants. The wild forms may not grow as large as selected cultivars, but they're still good.

I havent had the roots yet, but I hear they're good. How do you like to prepare them?

 

[TigerTom]

I havent had the roots yet, but I hear they're good. How do you like to prepare them?

Peel and cut them into 1" pieces, and boil with a little vinegar to keep them from turning brown. When softened, drain and saute them with some butter, salt, and pepper. Some say it tastes like oyster (hence the name" oyster plant"), but to me they have more of an artichoke flavor. After the flower stalk forms, the root become stringy.
I enjoy the seeing flowers and every year let some go to seed, so they grow all over my yard.

(For larger, more uniform roots, look for the variety called Mammoth Sandwich Island.)